[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 8077]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



             TRIBUTE TO MONTANA'S LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

  Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Montana's Law 
Enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty. These 
individuals have given their lives protecting the innocent and I can 
think of no more noble endeavor.
  We have recently considered a resolution that will make May 15th a 
national memorial day for peace officers. I think it is high time that 
the nation joins Montana in setting aside time to honor our law 
enforcement officers. For the past twelve years Montana has celebrated 
the dedication of its law enforcement officers on this day. I wish to 
commend Terry Tyler and the other members of the Professional Justice 
Community of Montana whose hard work and sacrifice to preserve and 
recognize the officers who have died in the line of duty are the best 
examples of the ``Montana Spirit'' that I know so well. I was pleased 
to support that resolution as I am pleased to commend and commemorate 
the Montana Law Enforcement Museum for its continuing commitment to 
honoring our fallen law enforcement officers who placed public safety 
before their own.
  Montana law enforcement traditions can be traced back to April 1863 
when Henry Plummer became the state's first elected sheriff. Since that 
time Montana's law enforcement officers have been charged with the 
protection and defense of the public and our laws. In Montana, our 
citizens enjoy a life style not marred by daily occurrences of gun 
violence and crime. Our children do not feel threatened in our schools 
and it is commonplace to leave your door unlocked. I can think of no 
greater testament to the hard work and dedication of our law 
enforcement officers and the people of Montana who support their 
efforts.
  It is only right that we take a day to remember those who have died 
so that others may live in a safe and secure environment. It is an 
honor and privilege to stand and recognize the efforts of these people 
and those who will not let their efforts go unnoticed. So, I wish to 
close with gratitude for those individuals who have dedicated their 
labors to a higher cause and who continually put their lives on the 
line to protect me and my family. On behalf of the state of Montana and 
the Nation, thank you.

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