[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 17980]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNITION OF NEVADA ``TOP COPS''

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to express my congratulations 
to Officers Gary Casper, Clint Malburg, and Jim Mitchell and Sergeant 
Rick Servoss on their selection for the National Association of Police 
Organizations' Top Cops Awards.
  The State of Nevada owes a great debt of gratitude to these brave 
police officers, and to all other law enforcement officers who keep our 
communities safe.
  On August 19, 2003, a sudden storm caused dangerous flash flooding in 
the Las Vegas Valley. Sergeant Servoss and Officers Casper, Malburg and 
Mitchell, all members of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department 
Search and Rescue team, were deployed to help residents escape the 
flood waters.
  Seven people were trapped in life-threatening situations, stranded on 
top of their vehicles. Battling 60 mph winds and power lines, Sergeant 
Servoss and Officer Casper maneuvered the team's helicopter only feet 
above the roaring water. Suspended by a cable and winch operated by 
Officer Mitchell, Officer Malburg retrieved the trapped individuals. 
The team even saved four Las Vegas firefighters when rushing waters 
overtook their fire engine.
  I recently had the opportunity to meet with Officers Casper and 
Mitchell. That meeting reminded me how important it is to express our 
appreciation to police officers and other first responders. These 
people put their lives on the line every day to protect our homes and 
communities. They will tell you that they are just doing their--jobs 
but we must never forget that they are heroes.
  When I attended law school, I worked as a U.S. Capitol Police officer 
to support my family. Today I still feel a bond with those who protect 
our communities. I am so grateful for the dedication and heroism of 
these brave men. Please join me in thanking them for their courageous 
efforts.

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