[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 82 (Thursday, May 15, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H2061-H2062]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

  (Mr. Vasquez of New Mexico was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. VASQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Police Week to 
honor the courageous law enforcement officers from New Mexico who have 
made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities.
  Every day across our country and in my home State, law enforcement 
officers wake up, put on the badge, and commit themselves to protecting 
our neighbors. It is a calling that demands bravery, sacrifice, and 
unwavering dedication.
  This week, we remember those who answered the call and never returned 
home.
  This year, three officers from New Mexico are being added to the 
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall here in Washington: 
Corrections Officer Roberto Rodriguez of Dona Ana County, Patrol 
Officer Jonah Hernandez of the Las Cruces Police Department, and 
Patrolman Justin C. Hare of the New Mexico State Police.
  I also want to honor those who recently did not have the opportunity 
to come home: Las Cruces Police Officer

[[Page H2062]]

J.R. Stewart, Albuquerque Police Officer Bianca Quintana, Alamogordo 
Police Officer Anthony ``Tony'' Ferguson, Alamogordo Patrolman James M. 
Sides, New Mexico State Police Officer Darian Jarrott, and Curry County 
Sheriff Michael Reeves.
  To their friends, families, and colleagues: Know that your loved ones 
are not forgotten. We grieve with you.
  As we reflect on their sacrifice, we must also recommit ourselves to 
doing more for those who wear the badge today. That means investing in 
officer safety, mental health, and wellness. It means supporting their 
families, and it means ensuring they have the tools and resources to 
serve our communities with dignity and professionalism. Choosing a life 
of service and law enforcement is not easy. It comes with risks that 
most of us will never know, but because of officers like Roberto, 
Jonah, and Justin, our communities are safer, and our values of justice 
and service endure.
  On behalf of all New Mexicans, I offer my deepest gratitude. May 
their memories be a blessing, and may we continue to honor them with 
action, compassion, and resolve.


                     Recognizing Chief Jeremy Story

  Mr. VASQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional 
public servant from my district, Chief Jeremy Story.
  Chief Story is from the Las Cruces Police Department, my hometown, 
and he is someone I was proud to serve with in local government. Chief 
Story has spent over 18 years in service to Las Cruces, rising through 
the ranks from cadet to chief of police. He is a U.S. Marine Corps 
veteran, a graduate of New Mexico State University, and a man deeply 
rooted in the values of duty, accountability, and community.
  Earlier this year, our community faced a horrific mass shooting, an 
act of senseless violence that shook Las Cruces to its core. In the 
face of this tragedy, Chief Story responded swiftly and with 
compassion. His leadership was grounded in facts, calm under pressure, 
and, most importantly, rooted in empathy for the victims, their 
families, and all of those affected.

                              {time}  1100

  At a time when our community needed strength and clarity, Chief Story 
was there, not only with answers, but with presence. He brought 
together law enforcement, emergency responders, and community leaders, 
not just to respond, but to begin the healing of our community.
  In May of this year, he was named Citizen of the Year by the Greater 
Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce. That recognition was well-earned. 
Today, I want to make sure that his dedication is honored here on the 
floor of the House of Representatives.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all New Mexicans, I thank Chief Jeremy 
Story for his continued leadership and unwavering commitment to the 
people of Las Cruces.

                          ____________________