[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Pages 8687-8688]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICER THOMAS STEINER

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, flags were flown at half-staff recently in 
memory of Thomas J. Steiner, a California Highway Patrol, CHP, officer 
allegedly killed by a teenager who wanted to impress a gang. Officer 
Steiner was 35 years old and left behind a wife, Heidi, and two 
children, Bryan and Justin. I am honored to stand before my colleagues 
to memorialize this dedicated officer.
  On Wednesday, April 21, 2004, shortly before 3 p.m., Officer Steiner 
exited the Pomona South Courthouse after testifying in traffic court. 
Before he could get to his patrol car, shots were fired at the officer 
from behind the wheel of a car. Officer Steiner died at a local 
hospital later that evening. An arrest was made in the case.
  Thomas Steiner died because he wore a uniform. Our law enforcement 
officers know the dangers and demands of their profession, but despite 
the daily challenges they face, they commit themselves to protecting 
others and do so selflessly. A five-year CHP veteran, Officer Steiner 
clearly exemplified the very best. CHP Chief Mike Brown told a news 
source that Steiner ``loved being a cop. He loved putting on the 
uniform. He wore it with pride.'' CHP Commissioner D.O. ``Spike'' 
Helmick called Steiner a ``quiet family man always ready to help.'' 
Steiner was also known as a mentor to newcomers to the department. He 
will be deeply missed by all those privileged to have known him.
  Officer Steiner's murder sent shock-
waves through the community. Steiner was known as a solid officer and 
devoted family man. Whether drinking his morning Gatorade at the 
station or bottle-feeding his baby on the homefront, Officer Steiner's 
goals seemed to be simple: to do his job well and be a good husband and 
father.

[[Page 8688]]

  As the community reflects on the life and memory of Officer Steiner 
with a very heavy heart, I salute his legacy as a dedicated officer and 
family man, and extend my deepest condolences to his entire family and 
to his friends.

                          ____________________