[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 6]
[House]
[Pages 8077-8080]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  COMMEMORATING DEDICATION AND SACRIFICES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

  Mr. OTTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 116) commemorating the dedication and sacrifices of 
the men and women of the United States who were killed or disabled 
while serving as law enforcement officers, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 116

       Whereas the well-being of all citizens of the United States 
     is preserved and enhanced as a direct result of the vigilance 
     and dedication of law enforcement personnel;
       Whereas more than 700,000 law enforcement officers, both 
     men and women, at great risk to their personal safety, serve 
     their fellow citizens as guardians of peace;
       Whereas these peace officers are on the front line in 
     preserving the right of the children of the United States to 
     receive an education in a crime-free environment, a right 
     that is all too often threatened by the insidious fear caused 
     by violence in schools;
       Whereas 151 peace officers lost their lives in the line of 
     duty in 2000, and a total of nearly 15,000 men and women 
     serving as peace officers have made that supreme sacrifice;
       Whereas every year, 1 in 9 peace officers is assaulted, 1 
     in 25 is injured, and 1 in 4,400 is killed in the line of 
     duty; and
       Whereas on May 15, 2001, more than 15,000 peace officers 
     are expected to gather in the Nation's Capital to join with 
     the families of their recently fallen comrades to honor those 
     comrades and all others who went before them: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of 
     Representatives that--
       (1) all peace officers slain in the line of duty should be 
     honored and recognized; and
       (2) the President should issue a proclamation calling upon 
     the people of the United States to honor and recognize such 
     officers with appropriate ceremonies and respect.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Barr of Georgia). Pursuant to the rule, 
the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Otter) and the gentleman from Illinois 
(Mr. Davis) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Otter).


                             General Leave

  Mr. OTTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on H. Res. 116, as amended.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Idaho?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. OTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the House consider H. Res. 116, 
legislation introduced by the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Hefley), my 
colleague.
  This rule commemorates the dedication and the sacrifice of the men 
and women of the United States who were killed or disabled while 
serving as law enforcement officers. By adopting H. Res. 116, the House 
will express its belief that all peace officers slain in the line of 
duty should be honored and recognized.
  Further, Mr. Speaker, this resolution urges the President of the 
United States to issue a proclamation calling on all Americans to honor 
and recognize such officers with appropriate ceremonies and respect.
  Mr. Speaker, every day more than 700,000 law enforcement officers 
risk their lives and their safety to protect us. They patrol our most 
dangerous streets, and they deal with the most violent elements of our 
society. Increasingly, law enforcement officers are also called upon to 
preserve the right of our children to receive an education. They then 
pay a high price to defend all of our liberties.
  As the resolution states, Mr. Speaker, 1 in 9 peace officers are 
assaulted every year; 1 in 25 are injured; and, even more sadly, 1 in 
4,400 are killed in the line of duty.
  In my own great State of Idaho, Mr. Speaker, we have lost 56 brave 
men and women in uniform who were protecting our families and our 
friends and our neighbors.
  These, all of them, are heroes and they have put their lives at risk, 
put their families in danger, and have done something remarkable that 
we do not see too often today: They put society's safety ahead of their 
own.
  Mr. Speaker, on June 17, 1988, Officer Linda Huff, an Idaho State 
Police Officer, was shot in the parking lot of her patrol station while 
walking to her car. The assailant fired 17 rounds from a high-powered 
hand weapon at point-blank range. She was able to return fire and 
injured her assailant before dying.
  The injuries Trooper Huff inflicted on her assailant led to his 
eventual arrest. More recently, on January 3 of 2001, two more 
peacekeeping Idahoans lost their lives while serving a search warrant. 
Corporals Anderson and Moulson were both wearing bulletproof vests when 
they were met with gunfire from the suspect inside the home. Sadly, not 
only are these men and women protecting us; in that process, they have 
become targets themselves by the criminals.
  Over 15,000 officers gather at our Nation's Capitol today to join 
with the families of these recently fallen comrades and recognize the 
supreme sacrifice that so many others have made in giving their last 
full measure.
  The courage and sacrifice displayed by our law enforcement officers 
is being honored by Congress through the establishment of the National 
Law Enforcement Museum. This museum will ensure the stories of heroism 
and sacrifice of these police officers are always remembered.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to support this resolution to 
offer their votes, first, in appreciation to the fallen heroes, and, 
second, as a vote of confidence for those who still today serve.
  This House should make plain its appreciation for the critical and 
often unappreciated sacrifices these men and women make in preserving 
the peace.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. 
Hefley) for introducing this resolution honoring our law enforcement 
personnel.
  Mr. Speaker, the first recorded law enforcement fatality in the 
performance of duty in this country occurred on May 17, 1792. The 
officer, Isaac Smith, a sheriff's deputy in New York City, was shot to 
death while attempting to make an arrest.
  Since that time, more than 15,000 other officers have been killed in 
the line of duty, and today roughly 740,000 officers continue to put 
their lives on the line for the safety and protection of others.

[[Page 8078]]

  May 15 is Peace Officers Memorial Day, and it is fitting that this 
resolution, honoring the men and women of this country who were killed 
or disabled while serving as law enforcement officers, be brought 
before this body today.
  According to the National Crime Victimization Survey conducted by the 
Bureau of Justice Statistics in 1997, there were 31.3 million crimes 
committed in the United States, an average of one crime every second. 
That is how often law enforcement officers put their lives on the line; 
every second of every hour they are on duty protecting the American 
people. And so it is for this reason that in 1984, Congress authorized 
the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
  The memorial honors Federal, State and local law enforcement officers 
who have died in the line of duty and recognizes the service and 
sacrifice of all officers.
  Completed and dedicated in 1991, the memorial, which is located here 
in Washington, D.C., has the names of more than 15,000 officers who 
have been killed in the line of duty inscribed on its blue-gray marble 
walls.
  The names of seven fallen officers from Illinois were added to the 
memorial this past Sunday. Of those, Roy Costello, John Kearney, and 
Alane Stoffregen were from the Chicago Police Department.
  Their watch over the city ended at various times: Mr. Costello in 
1945; Mr. Kearney in 1909; and Ms. Stoffregen last year. But they 
served one common purpose: to keep the district that I represent safe.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute them and those that serve today for their 
dedication and commitment.
  Since 1854, a total of 417 Chicago police officers have lost their 
lives while serving our communities. For 40 years, the Chicago Police 
have held the St. Jude parade to honor fallen police officers of the 
previous year. More than 8,000 participants, including law enforcement 
officers and employees, marched the streets of Chicago.
  This year's march honored 30 fallen officers, including the last 
officer killed in action, James Camp, who was shot while investigating 
a car theft.
  Soon a museum will be built near the memorial to tell the story of 
law enforcement's proud history and to serve as a research repository 
to promote law enforcement safety.
  The memorial, the future museum, and this resolution will ensure that 
the heroism and sacrifice law enforcement officials make every day will 
be remembered and revered, so I would urge all Members to give support 
to this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. OTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Hefley).
  Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Otter) 
for yielding the time to me.
  Mr. Speaker, law enforcement officials from around the country have 
come in these last few days and today to Washington, D.C. to 
commemorate and honor fellow peace officers slain in the line of duty.
  The National Peace Officers Memorial Day serves as a solemn reminder 
of the sacrifice and commitment to safety that police officers make on 
our behalf. The National Peace Officer Memorial Resolution, H.R. 116, 
which is cosponsored by 81 of my colleagues, expresses the gratitude of 
the House of Representatives for the work that these officers perform.
  Law enforcement officers face unprecedented risks while protecting 
our communities and our freedoms. Today over 700,000 men and women 
place their lives at risk to serve as protectors of law and order.
  Throughout U.S. history, more than 15,000 men and women serving as 
peace officers have sacrificed their life for their Nation and 
community. In the year 2000 alone, 151 Federal, State and local law 
enforcers gave their lives in the line of duty. To date, 54 have died 
in 2001; 3 of these 54 come from my home State of Colorado.
  Law enforcement officers face enormous risks while protecting our 
neighborhoods, our families, our freedoms; yet there is often an 
attitude of indifference. Every community has been impacted by the work 
of officers, yet most citizens have little direct contact with peace 
officers. Therefore, the sacrifices of these brave Americans go 
unnoticed and often underappreciated.
  Mr. Speaker, without the service of peace officers, our society is 
left unprotected. Law enforcement officers deserve to be recognized and 
honored for their work, their dedication, their sacrifice, and, yes, 
Mr. Speaker, their bravery in defense of our society.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in expressing our appreciation to 
all peace officers and paying tribute to those slain in the line of 
duty and to their surviving families by supporting H. Res. 116.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak), one who knows 
exactly what it means and what it is like to be a law enforcement 
official himself.
  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Davis) for yielding the time to me.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this resolution in honor of law 
enforcement officers who were killed or disabled in the line of duty. I 
want to thank the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Hefley) for sponsoring 
this important legislation and to all of those who cosponsored it to 
make it a reality here today.
  Before coming to Congress in 1993, I served as a police officer for 
12 years, both as a city police officer and as a Michigan State 
trooper. I have known personally too many officers who have been 
disabled or who have given their lives for the people they serve.
  Each of us today understand the importance of the House of 
Representatives in undertaking this resolution to honor law enforcement 
officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. In this past year it has 
been 151 men and women.
  We do not forget those officers who died in previous years. Mr. 
Speaker, in my case, I specifically think back about the funerals and 
where I was honor guard for the funerals of Darrell Rantanen of the 
Gladstone Post back in about 1974, or Craig Scott of the Lansing Post 
who died in 1983. Those officers died doing their job just like law 
enforcement officials do day in, day out.
  Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, probably each one of us can name an 
officer that was killed in the line of duty either in our home 
districts or even here in the Capitol, which happened in 1998 with the 
deaths of Capitol Police Officers Chestnut and Gibson.
  We do not forget the extreme sacrifice our Nation's law enforcement 
and public safety officers make to our communities and to the Nation 
every day.
  This legislation, as simple as it is, recognizes the very important 
value our government places on the work of the men and women who serve 
us each day. It is important that we take this step this week to show 
our respect and recognition for the jobs that police officers do every 
day, in every town, in every township, and every county in America.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in support of 
this resolution. It is the least we can do for those who work with us 
and work for us every day in this great Nation.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I would simply say that when one gives of themselves and 
gives of their life, they have given the best that they have had to 
give, and I would urge support for this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1515

  Mr. OTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the remarks of the gentleman from Illinois 
(Mr. Davis).
  Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Hefley) for 
introducing this important piece of

[[Page 8079]]

legislation and for his efforts to bring it to the floor and see it 
through its passage. I wanted to thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. 
Burton), of the Committee on Government Reform, and the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Scarborough), chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil 
Service and Agency Organization, and the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Waxman) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), ranking members, 
for working expeditiously for bringing this resolution to the floor.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, let me just remind everyone that it is our 
law enforcement officers that provide for the construction of the 
community, provide for its safety. They are, indeed, community 
builders. It reminds me of a poem that I learned many years ago, and I 
should like to offer it in closing, Mr. Speaker.
  It goes like this: ``I saw a group of men in my hometown. I saw a 
group of men tearing a building down. With a heave and a hoe and a 
mighty yell, they swung a beam, and a side wall fell. And I said to the 
foreman, `Hey, are these men skilled, you know the kind that you'd hire 
if you wanted to build?' He said, `Why no indeed. To tear down a 
building, common labor is all I need. With common labor, I can tear 
down in a day or two what it took a builder 10 years to do.' So I 
thought to myself as I walked away, which of these roles am I going to 
play.''
  Mr. Speaker, men and women in law enforcement and in uniform today 
that build our communities deserve the vote, and I urge the Members to 
provide their vote and their support.
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution and join 
Americans across the country today in honoring those officers who have 
died or who were disabled in the line of duty. South Texans appreciate 
those men and women who walk that thin blue line every day.
  As a former law enforcement officer, I have an intimate understanding 
of situations that can turn dangerous or deadly in a moment. The men 
and women who police our communities walk that line that separates the 
good guys from the bad guys. The work we ask our police officers to do 
is dangerous, dirty duty.
  What people do not understand very often is that it is the inherent 
risk of what we might have to do that makes law enforcement so 
dangerous. We see the best and worst of our fellow human beings. It is 
not our job to judge them. That task is reserved judge and jury. Our 
job is merely to treat everyone equally.
  Enforcing the law is a hard job. When people do something wrong, 
their first instinct is to find fault with the person who catches them. 
So being the guardian of our laws is never a simple endeavor. But in 
the end, it is the enormous satisfaction of protecting our 
neighborhoods and families that makes walking that line worth all the 
danger and criticism. It is the laughter of safe children, or the 
gratitude of someone whose life or property we protect, that makes 
doing this job enormously satisfying.
  There are several South Texans who will be honored this week. 
Officers who made the supreme sacrifice include: Enrique L. Carrizalez, 
Alfred Walter Basler, David Rucker, Susan Lynn Rodriguez, Richardo 
Guillermo Salinas, Joseph Moon, Juan Prieto, Dan Bock, Roy Smith, John 
Sartain, and Ruben Almanza. These people are examples of the message 
set forth by Jesus Christ in John 15:13: ``Greater love hath no one 
than this: than to lay down one's life for his friends.''
  Let us not forget the sacrifice made on our behalf right here in this 
building; our own Capitol Police Officers Chestnut and Gibson died 
defending Members of Congress and the public who populate this 
building. The House of Representatives joins families and communities 
across the nation to remember those members of the force who are no 
longer with us, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
  For the sacrifices to ensure the rule of law, the officers we honor 
today and their families have the eternal gratitude of a grateful 
nation. While today we remember and reflect on the last full measure of 
devotion of these brave peace officers, let us do better than that by 
remembering their sacrifice and respecting the danger our officers face 
each and every day on our behalf every other day of the year.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 
116, to acknowledge the dedication and sacrifices of the men and women 
of the United States who were killed or disabled while serving as law 
enforcement officers. It is fitting that we acknowledge and commend the 
courage and dedication shown by our law enforcement officers who have 
given their lives for their fellow citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, sadly in the past year, 150 law enforcement officers 
gave their lives in the performance of their duty. In my own district, 
although we have been fortunate not to have lost officers in the line 
of duty in the past year I pause to remember and recognize Randy 
Stevens, Steven Hodge, Richard Callwood, Dexter Mardenborough, Wilbur 
Francis, Allen William, and Patrick Sweeney who were all killed as they 
sought to keep the streets and communities of the Virgin Islands safe.
  Mr. Speaker it was President Kennedy, who approved House Joint 
Resolution 730 in October 1962, which proclaimed May 15 of each year as 
Peace Officers Memorial Day and the Week of May 15th Police Week. Our 
Police Officers are the defenders of our communities because they 
bravely protect us from mortal dangers, in some cases at the cost of 
their own lives. For that we owe them all our deepest gratitude and 
respect. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H. Res. 116.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I support H. Res. 116. It is 
a long-awaited tribute to the hard working law enforcement community 
members.
  Countless law enforcement men and women daily dedicate their lives to 
our country's protection. They face unbelievable danger to say nothing 
of the sacrifices: death, injury, disability and family stress. We must 
finally recognize their dedication and commitment to our communities, 
families and children.
  They not only deserve our support and gratitude, but they also 
deserve protection under the law. That is why I cosponsored H.R. 218, 
the Community Protection Act. This bill, supported by police 
nationwide, allows law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons. 
They need this as criminals know who the officers are, who their 
families are and where they live. Very simply: law enforcement officers 
need protection both on and off duty.
  When law enforcement officers begin their day, the risk and danger 
are unknown. I cannot imagine a more unsettling feeling for both the 
officer and his or her family.
  Therefore, I honor law enforcement officers nationwide, particularly 
those who serve Long Island.
  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 
116, honoring law enforcement officers who have been killed or disabled 
in the line of duty. Often, the immeasurable contributions of our 
nation's law enforcement officers go unnoticed. The establishment of a 
Peace Officers Memorial Day would serve as a powerful tribute to slain 
officers as well as to those who continue to risk their lives each day 
to make our communities safe.
  In one of the communities I represent, Glendale, California, four 
police officers and one sheriff's deputy have been killed in the line 
of duty. Many more have suffered work-related injuries and illnesses 
that have contributed to early deaths. This ultimate sacrifice deserves 
honorable recognition.
  One of these fallen heroes is Charles A. Lazzaretto, a Glendale 
Police Officer, who was killed in the line of duty only four years ago. 
Chuck was born on October 5, 1966 and spent his early childhood living 
with his family in the California communities of Walnut and Montebello. 
In 1982, the Lazzaretto family moved to Burbank where his father served 
as city manager. While attending Glendale Community College in the mid-
1980s, Chuck was appointed as a campus public safety officer and 
subsequently promoted to the rank of sergeant. In 1985, he volunteered 
for the United States Marine Corps Reserves and attended Officer 
Candidate School.
  Chuck joined the Glendale Police Department on May 3, 1987 where he 
was appointed as a reserve police officer. In 1991, he received the 
rank of officer, working assignments in the juvenile, burglary, auto 
theft, arson, and robbery/homicide areas. Chuck's favorite pastime was 
spending time with his family. He often spoke of his love for his wife 
and two sons, Andrew and Matthew, as well as his parents and three 
brothers. Chuck was a community leader and family role model.
  Police officers touch the lives of so many Americans. It is a long 
overdue tribute that we commemorate the courage and spirit of our 
nation's law enforcement officers with this resolution. I would also 
like to add my voice in support of H.R. 1727, which assists the 
families of those killed in the line of duty. May our fallen heroes and 
their families find solace in the national recognition of their 
sacrifice.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. OTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Barr of Georgia). The question is on the 
motion offered by the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Otter) that the House

[[Page 8080]]

suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 116, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. OTTER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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