[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 111 (Friday, June 27, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3581-S3582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING OFFICER KRYSTAL RIVERA

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, we know that our men and women in uniform 
are vital public servants. They shoulder an immense responsibility when 
protecting and safeguarding our communities. Each morning, when our 
officers put on that uniform and badge, they head into the line of duty 
not knowing what the day may bring. They may be called on to run toward 
danger. Or they may be put in harm's way. But despite the knowledge of 
this looming risk, our officers selflessly show up in service to others 
day in and day out, driven by a sense of mission larger than 
themselves.
  So I am confident I speak for all of us in this Chamber when I say a 
how incredibly grateful we are to our police officers for their 
service. This is also why it is especially painful and tragic when one 
of our officers is lost in the line of duty. And it is with a heavy 
heart and profound sadness that I speak about the passing of one of 
Chicago's own, Chicago Police Department Officer Krystal Rivera.
  Officer Rivera was killed in the line of duty on Thursday, June 5 of 
this year. She was just 36 years old--her whole life still ahead of 
her--and leaves behind her 10-year-old daughter Bella. Officer Rivera 
was a 4-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, but called the 
city ``home'' for much longer. The youngest of three sisters, she was 
raised in Humboldt Park by her loving and proud Puerto Rican parents 
Yolanda Rivera and Eduardo Miguel Rivera.
  Those who were fortunate to know Officer Rivera described her as a 
passionately protective spirit who loved boldly--a trait she no doubt 
inherited from her beloved mother, with whom she credited as her 
greatest motivation and inspiration in life. Her father, too, shaped 
her immensely. A preacher, he imparted to Officer Rivera not just a 
deep love of God, but a profound sense of duty and devotion to family.
  At 18, Officer Rivera initially planned to join the Army, but soon 
felt a strong calling to serve her community as a police officer--and 
serve she did. While she served and juggled the demands of motherhood, 
she also pursued a separate goal. Her dream was to become a forensic 
investigator, a dream she actively pursued. Because of the values she 
lived for, it should come as no surprise that, within the precinct, 
Officer Rivera earned the nickname ``Mama 2''--one of two mother 
figures on the team. And for Officer Rivera, family was family--blood 
or not. She had a loving heart and touched countless lives.
  Officer Rivera's funeral was held earlier this week, and hundreds of 
her fellow officers, friends, and family came out to pay their 
respects--because that is the kind of person she was. That was the 
impact she left.
  And while she held many titles in life--daughter, officer, and ``Mama 
2''--none were more important to Officer Rivera than the one she 
cherished most: ``Bella's mom.'' Her daughter Bella was her biggest 
priority in her life, and she poured all of herself into being her mom. 
In doing so, she gave Bella those same values her parents gifted her--
values I am confident Bella will carry with her as she continues 
through life. And so I want to close with a story about Bella.
  This story was originally shared at the service for Officer Rivera 
earlier this week where she was laid to rest; it is worth recounting.
  On the night of her mother's tragic passing, Bella looked Chicago 
Police Superintendent Larry Snelling in the eye and asked him one 
simple question: ``Was my mom a good police officer?'' Officer Snelling 
responded, ``Your mom was an exemplary police officer . . . She was 
magnificent because, what I've often said about being an exemplary 
police officer, you first have to be an exemplary human being.''

[[Page S3582]]

  To Bella, I would like to say: Your mother wasn't just a good police 
officer. She was a great one. And she wasn't just a good mother. She 
was an exceptional one. To lose your mother at that age must be an 
incredible pain. But, Bella, while painful, I hope you find comfort in 
her memory. Find comfort in remembering her kind smile and warm 
embrace. And find comfort knowing that, while she may be gone, she 
lives on through you--her sweet Bella--as you continue your own journey 
through this great ride called life.
  My wife Loretta and I send our deepest condolences to Officer 
Rivera's family, including her mother Yolanda; her sisters Jacqueline 
and Yasmin; and her stepfather Roderick--along with Bella.
  May God watch over you and wipe your tears during this difficult 
time, and may he continue to guide you today, tomorrow, and 
forevermore.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority whip.

                          ____________________