[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 17]
[House]
[Page 23247]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO SGT. JASON ``TYE'' PRATT

  (Mr. TERRY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today with great sadness. 
Two weeks ago in Omaha, a brave, dedicated police officer, Sgt. Jason 
Pratt, was gunned down by a violent criminal following a routine 
traffic stop. He died of severe head injuries last Friday. I attended 
his funeral 2 days ago.
  I want to extend my sincere condolences not only to the family and 
friends of this heroic man, but to the entire community for the loss of 
such a brave officer. But while I rise today to mourn the death of Sgt. 
Jason ``Tye'' Pratt, I also want to celebrate his life, a life built 
upon optimism, bravery, compassion and dedication.
  Those who were lucky enough to know him will tell you what an 
honorable husband, father, son, brother, friend, coworker and citizen 
he was. A 1992 honors student graduate of Burke High School, dubbed as 
having the ``best smile,'' he married his wife, Stacy, in 1995 and 
began his work serving the Omaha community as a rookie police officer 
in 1996. Upon completing training in 1997, he joined the SWAT unit, the 
emergency response unit.
  Jason and Stacy were the parents of two young daughters, Madison and 
Jordyn. Sgt. Pratt bragged about his wife and her work at the Immanuel 
Medical Center and his daughters constantly at work.
  He was known for his tremendous discipline, work ethic and 
commitment. He balanced an irresistible sense of humor with full-
throttled intensity in whatever role he undertook. This is a man who 
truly loved what he did, and never hesitated to help somebody in need.
  Police officers are everyday heroes. They put their lives on the line 
day in and day out to ensure our safety and protect our community.
  For a week, Sgt. Jason ``Tye'' Pratt hung on to his life in the 
hospital, receiving an outpouring of prayers. He is a true hero. Sgt. 
Pratt was a hero to his wife, daughters, family and fellow officers, 
and he will remain a hero to all of us.

                          ____________________