[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H3510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





    COMMEMORATING ANNIVERSARY AND SACRIFICE OF OFFICER JOHN ANTHONY 
                               VALENZUELA

  (Mrs. GRIJALVA asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
anniversary of the sacrifice of fallen officer John Anthony Valenzuela 
of the South Tucson Police Department, who was killed in the line of 
duty on May 17, 1993.
  Officer Valenzuela was just 27 years old. He served as a school 
resource officer, dedicating himself to protecting children and 
strengthening the trust within the south Tucson community, a community 
in which he was raised, attended school, lived, and had strong ties.
  On the day of his death, he acted on behalf of a young victim and 
courageously joined fellow officers in serving a warrant connected to a 
child sex abuse investigation. In the face of danger, Officer 
Valenzuela gave his life in service to others. He is the only officer 
killed in the line of duty in the history of the South Tucson Police 
Department.
  More than three decades later, his legacy lives on in southern 
Arizona through the John Valenzuela Youth Center named in his honor, 
his family and friends, and through the countless lives he touched by 
his service and sacrifice.
  We remember Officer John Valenzuela with gratitude, respect, and 
solemn remembrance.
  May he forever rest in peace.

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