[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 24]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 33479]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING OFFICER ROY DAVID GILBERT, III

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 6, 2007

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize and congratulate 
Officer Roy David Gilbert, III for being named the 2007 Police Officer 
of the Year by Parade magazine and the International Association of 
Chiefs of Police.
  A resident of Waterford, MI, Officer Gilbert has described the day he 
was sworn in as an officer of the Detroit Police Department seven years 
ago as one of the happiest of his life. Last year, however, Officer 
Gilbert was faced with one of the darkest. On December 30, 2006, while 
patrolling Detroit's Western District, Officer Gilbert and his partner 
Officer John McKee spotted a vehicle that had been carjacked earlier 
that evening. While in pursuit, Officer McKee was shot and wounded in 
the face and abdomen.
  Officer Gilbert courageously moved between his partner and the 
suspect, and even after being knocked down by a bullet, he returned 
fire and took down the assailant. As a result of Officer Gilbert's 
actions, Officer McKee's life was saved, and in October of this year he 
was able to return to the police force. Officer Gilbert was awarded the 
Medal of Valor, the Detroit Police Department's highest honor for 
bravery and was recognized by Parade magazine and the International 
Association of Chiefs of Police as the Officer of the Year.
  For over 40 years, Parade magazine and the International Association 
of Chiefs of Police have recognized the law enforcement officer whose 
deeds embody the intrepid spirit and altruism that Officer Gilbert has 
displayed. Even today as he is honored by Waterford Township, Officer 
Gilbert still says he was just ``doing what partners are supposed to 
do.''
  Madam Speaker, Officer Gilbert epitomizes the bravery and 
selflessness that we see in our law enforcement officers everyday. His 
heroic actions saved the life of a fellow officer and made our streets 
safer. I commend him for his achievements and wish him continued 
success in his service.

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