[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 10073]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 10073]]

                         TRIBUTE TO FRED CAPPS

 Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the late Fred Capps and to offer condolences to his wife, Cathy, and 
their two young children, John and Lydia.
  Commonwealth's Attorney Fred Capps lost his life fighting for the 
people he represented each day in the courtroom. Kentucky Senate 
President David Williams, a longtime friend of Mr. Capps, said it best: 
``He died a hero, protecting his family. He was defending his home and 
his children, and he didn't go down easy.'' As a prosecutor for Adair, 
Casey, Cumberland and Monroe counties, Mr. Capps was devoted to 
bringing criminals to justice. He gave his time and energy to protect 
the victims who needed his help and, in the end, he gave his life for 
their sake as well. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the 
sacrifices Mr. Capps made, and I am deeply saddened that such a fine 
Kentuckian has been lost.
  Since this tragedy occurred, people across the State of Kentucky have 
spoken out in fond remembrance of Mr. Capps. Many have spoken about his 
reputation as a skilled prosecutor, and about his genuine concern for 
finding justice for innocent victims. But Mr. Capps also is remembered 
for the many hours he served as a volunteer and coach for the 
Burkesville Little League, and for his example as a committed family 
man. He was a devoted husband and father, loyal friend, community 
leader, and gifted attorney.
  At times such as this, I am reminded of the fragility of life and the 
importance of family. From all accounts, Mr. Capps understood and 
valued these things while he was alive and has left a legacy of 
excellence for his children to remember. Hopefully it will be a comfort 
to the family and friends Mr. Capps leaves behind to know that he was 
loved and admired by so many in his community and throughout the entire 
State. On behalf of myself and my colleagues, we offer our deepest 
condolences to his loved ones, and express our gratitude for all Mr. 
Capps contributed to the counties he served, the State of Kentucky, and 
to our great Nation.

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