[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6431]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING OFFICER GABRIEL KEITHLEY: DEDICATED TO SERVICE

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                           HON. WM. LACY CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 1, 2004

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Officer Gabriel 
Keithley for being extremely courageous and dedicated while serving 
with the. St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Officer Keithley's 
strong work ethic and commitment to his job make him an extraordinary 
benefit to the entire St. Louis community.
  Officer Keithley fulfilled his life's ambition when he was hired by 
the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department in 2001. After graduating 
from the Police Academy, Officer Keithley was placed with the Eighth 
District where he gained the reputation of being a hard working and 
devoted officer. His endeavors have not gone unnoticed by his 
colleagues; in January of 2003 they voted Gabriel Keithley Officer of 
the Month. His supervisors later recommended him to the Eighth District 
Weed & Seed Unit. This is a Department of Justice Initiative that 
assigns officers to help designated neighborhoods work on some of their 
worst problems, mainly centered on narcotics and firearm violations.
  Officer Keithley has been an immense asset to the Weed & Seed Unit. 
He has been instrumental in helping the unit compile a substantial 
amount of arrests and seizures. During his time, the unit was credited 
with 396 total arrests, recovering 123 firearms, seizing 31 vehicles 
and collecting $35,901 under Asset Forfeiture guidelines.
  Mr. Speaker, Officer Keithley recently exhibited exceptional bravery 
while in the line of fire. Having been critically wounded, he 
courageously fought back and forced an armed criminal to flee the 
scene. I am honored to recognize Officer Gabriel Keithley today before 
Congress.

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