[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 125 (Tuesday, July 22, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E706-E707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING OFFICER FRANCISCO FLATTES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHUCK EDWARDS

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2025

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor 
the life and sacrifice of Officer Francisco Flattes, a devoted 
detention officer in Cherokee County, North Carolina, who was killed in 
the line of duty on June 30, 2025.
  Officer Flattes was more than just a public servant. He was a 
husband, a father, a grandfather, a colleague, and a friend to many. 
For four years, he served the Cherokee County Detention Center with 
unwavering commitment, ensuring that the rule of law was upheld with 
integrity and compassion.
  Tragically, while performing his duties--escorting an inmate for 
medical care--Officer Flattes was killed in the line of duty in an act 
of senseless violence. He gave his life protecting others, and in doing 
so, reminded us all of the risks our law enforcement officers

[[Page E707]]

face every single day when they put on the uniform.
  Officer Flattes leaves behind a loving family, including his wife, 
who also serves as a detention officer, his children and grandchildren, 
and a son-in-law who wears the same badge in defense of our 
communities.
  I extend my deepest condolences to the Flattes family and the 
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. We honor his courage, his kindness, 
his dedication, and his memory. May we never forget the price that 
heroes like Officer Flattes pay so that we may live in safety and 
peace.
  May God bless the Flattes family and may God bless all those who wear 
the badge in service to our communities.

                          ____________________