[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 4594]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ARVA ``MARIE'' JOHNSON

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor PFC Arva ``Marie'' 
Johnson, who recently retired from the United States Capitol Police 
force after more than 32 years of dedicated service.
  Marie Johnson made history on October 15, 1974, when she became the 
first woman to serve as a uniformed officer of the U.S. Capitol Police. 
She also holds the distinction of being the first African-American 
woman hired by the USCP to serve in a law enforcement capacity.
  This could not have been an easy achievement. At the time, the force 
did not have locker room facilities or even uniforms designed for 
female officers. But Johnson brought real commitment to the job and a 
positive attitude that helped her earn respect among her colleagues.
  When asked about her historic role in paving the way for female and 
black officers in the U.S. Capitol Police Force, Marie Johnson said ``I 
didn't mean to do it, it just happened.''
  I believe Marie Johnson is being modest. In fact, she was a founding 
member of the United States Capitol Black Police Association, an 
organization that advocates fair hiring practices and performance 
standards in the Capitol Police Force. The Association seeks to 
eliminate the barriers that limited the ability of African Americans to 
pursue careers in law enforcement.
  The Capitol Police Force has a very different face now then it did 
when Marie Johnson joined in 1974. Today there are more than 120 black 
female officers on the force.
  Marie Johnson is a pioneer. Her long career is a testament to her 
determination and strong work ethic. As a Member of the Senate, I am 
indebted to those who, like Marie Johnson, put their lives on the line 
to protect our security here, in this historic building. I commend 
Marie Johnson on her long and distinguished career. I know my 
colleagues will join me in wishing her and her family the very best in 
the years to come.

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