[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Pages 20360-20361]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO SPECIAL AGENT JOHN BAILEY

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise to honor the life of Special Agent 
John Lawrence Bailey. More than 15 years ago, Special Agent Bailey gave 
his life in the line of duty. Today, in a fitting memorial, law 
enforcement agents throughout Nevada enter the Federal Bureau of 
Investigation building in Las Vegas that bears his name.
  John Bailey was an American success story. Born in 1942, he attended 
the University of Pittsburgh on an athletic scholarship. Shortly after 
receiving his degree, John enrolled in the United States Marine Corps. 
He would answer his nation's call by joining thousands of young men who 
went to Vietnam. There, John was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal, 
the Vietnam Service Award, and a Bronze Star. After Vietnam, John 
entered Quantico and began his distinguished career with the FBI.
  While John had numerous work accomplishments, those who knew him best 
could say that he was most proud of his family. It is not easy being in 
Federal law enforcement, but his family was always supportive. Joined 
by his wife Beth and their two daughters, Amanda and Megan, the Baileys 
came to Nevada in 1977.
  On the morning of June 25, 1990, Special Agent Bailey found himself 
in the middle of an armed robbery in a bank. Instead of standing by in 
fear, John confronted the robbers and drew his weapon. The robbers 
quickly turned and Special Agent Bailey fired. The bullet missed one 
suspect, but Agent Bailey was able to capture them and end the robbery. 
While securing the suspects, something distracted him. In that split 
second, a robber recovered his weapon and shot John. He died at the 
scene.
  His heroism that day to save the lives of his fellow citizens was not 
out of the ordinary for those who knew

[[Page 20361]]

John. As a 21 year veteran of the FBI, John was a highly decorated 
agent. He was known throughout the Nevada law enforcement community for 
his efforts to break up organized crime in Las Vegas. His work even 
touched my life.
  John Bailey was a good man and a friend. When I was the commissioner 
of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, I worked with John to clean up the 
gaming industry. It wasn't an easy task because organized crime had 
deep roots in Las Vegas. Each day, I faced threats against my life and 
against my family. There were even attempts to bribe me. Special Agent 
Bailey made the arrests on the gangsters who were after me. I will 
never forget him.
  For all these reasons, I was pleased that the FBI decided to name 
their building in Las Vegas after Special Agent Bailey. It is a fitting 
tribute for a fallen officer. Later this fall, the FBI will be moving 
to a new building in Las Vegas. It is important to the FBI--and to me 
personally--that the new building at 1787 West Lake Mead Boulevard 
continue to carry the name of Special Agent John Bailey. Soon, I look 
forward to touring this new ``John Lawrence Bailey Memorial Building.''
  I am pleased to have this opportunity to honor John before the 
Senate. With the dedication of the new FBI building. I am hopeful that 
future generations of law enforcement officers will be able to take a 
moment to reflect on the life and accomplishments of this distinguished 
officer.

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