[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 6848-6849]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER MEDAL OF VALOR ACT OF 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 13, 1999

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 46, the 
``Public Safety Officer

[[Page 6849]]

Medal of Valor Act.'' Our nation's firefighters, enforcement officers, 
and other emergency services personnel put themselves at risk every day 
to assure the safety of the general public. Just as our military 
personnel are recognized for extraordinary acts of valor in the effort 
to preserve peace abroad, so should our domestic safety officers be 
recognized for their bravery above and beyond the call of duty.
  Last year, Members of Congress witnessed an extraordinary act of 
valor as Capitol Hill police officers gave their lives defending the 
Halls of Congress from a gunman intent on shooting his way into 
Congress. It was a potent reminder of the risks every public safety 
officer face each and every day. I never will forget that sacrifice and 
by supporting this legislation I hope to draw more attention to 
sacrifices of the hundreds of thousands of public safety officers that 
serve our country.
  In Delaware, I am particularly proud of the work of our firefighters 
because most of them serve the State voluntarily. Likewise, Delaware's 
police officers often find themselves squarely in the sights of a 
criminal's handgun, which prompted me to support legislation to provide 
all of Delaware's police force with bulletproof vests.
  Again, I urge every Member to come together and support the ``Public 
Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act.'' It symbolizes honor and 
recognition that is long past due.

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