[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Pages 24819-24820]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF OFFICER JASON PRATT

  Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, I honor one of Nebraska's 
finest who recently gave his life in the line of duty. His service and 
sacrifice are an inspiration to us all and a reminder of the 
appreciation we have for our law enforcement officers and first 
responders.
  Officer Jason Pratt began his career with the Omaha Police Department 
in 1996 at the age of 23. He served honorably for 7 years and 2 days 
before being tragically killed in the line of duty on September 11, 
2003. During his years on the force, his commitment and energy were 
recognized several times by his fellow officers, community members and 
superiors.
  In February of 1997, Officer Pratt began work as a patrol officer. By 
April of that year--less than a year on the job--members of the 
Leavenworth Neighborhood Association were already noticing Jason for 
the work he and his crew did in the area. Jason's dedication to service 
did not wane and in May of 2001, he was recognized by the Neighborhood 
Association again for his efforts.
  Jason followed that service with a year in the vice squad, a division 
of the intelligence unit. During this time, he kept family areas, such 
as neighborhood parks, safer for our families. Finally, he also spent 
time in the emergency response unit, placing himself in extreme danger 
on numerous occasions by taking high-risk offenders off the street.

[[Page 24820]]

  Officer Pratt will be well remembered for being an officer who always 
came as back up to help out other officers. In September of 2001, he 
assisted bike officers with a traffic stop that ultimately led to the 
suspect being booked on a number of felony charges. In another 
instance, in April of 2003, he was responding to a house fire where an 
adult and two children were trapped. Poor weather conditions delayed a 
second fire unit so Officer Pratt assisted firefighters in carrying 
gear up to the house. Because of his actions, there were no further 
injuries that day.
  Officer Pratt lost his life while trying to make our city safer. His 
sacrifices, and those of his family, are another reminder of the risks 
taken by police officers across the Nation to keep our cities and towns 
safe. Americans honor their commitment and we stand shoulder to 
shoulder with them when one is struck down.
  I am proud to have witnessed the outpouring of support for his family 
given by the people of Omaha. His two children, Madison and Jordyn, and 
his wife Stacy, have lost their father and husband and he can never be 
replaced. But the people of Omaha have shown again and again that they 
will do whatever necessary to help the Pratt family in the weeks, 
months and years to come. Officer Pratt will not be forgotten and all 
of Omaha will work to ensure his family is safe.
  Jason Pratt died doing what he always wanted to do. He died 
protecting his and our community through public service alongside his 
friends and fellow officers. In his memory, those officers will 
continue to serve every day knowing that if he were still alive; he 
would be standing at their side. I join with my fellow Nebraskans in 
thanking Officer Pratt and his family for all they have given to us and 
pledging to remember his work and his life and the difference he made 
in our community.

                          ____________________