[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25987]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING COLORADO PARK COUNTY AND JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERRIF'S OFFICES 
            AND PLATTO CANYON AND ELK CREEK FIRE DEPARTMENTS

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                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colordado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 27, 2007

  Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and recognize 
the heroic actions of the Park County Sheriff's office, Jefferson 
County Sheriff's office, Platte Canyon Fire Department, and the Elk 
Creek Fire Department for their quick response to the hostage standoff 
that occurred at Platte Canyon High School on Wednesday, September 27, 
2006.
  On that morning at 11:40 a.m., a deranged man entered an English 
class, taking 6 students hostage at gunpoint. Over several terrifying 
and horrific hours, 4 were released. As the tense minutes dragged on, 
the officers knew that they had to act quickly if the remaining 2 girls 
were to be rescued.
  Committed to saving the lives of these 2 young women, the Park County 
Sheriff gave the go ahead order and the officers charged into the 
classroom, unaware of what they would confront. Their courageous acts 
saved 1 young life, but the other was taken by a madman determined to 
kill.
  The brutal and senseless murder of 16-year-old Emily Keyes devastated 
the mountain town. Home to around 7,650 Coloradans, Bailey is a tight-
knit community where everyone knows one another, often by name. It is 
this bond that has provided solace for the town as it continues to heal 
and to grieve.
  We cannot hope to understand what would motivate a person to commit 
such an evil and heartless act. Yet, as we remember the one-year 
anniversary of this senseless tragedy, and lament the tremendous losses 
suffered by the community of Bailey, we must also praise the courageous 
efforts of these first responders. The rapid and selfless actions of 
the police and fire departments almost surely precluded further loss of 
life, and for that the people of my district and the State of Colorado 
are grateful.

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