[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 2551]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING DENISE ANN PHOENIX

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Denise Ann 
Phoenix, a role model, native Nevadan, and hero. Ms. Phoenix, known by 
her nickname ``Auntie,'' devoted her life to improving her Native 
American community and promoting child safety. Following in the 
footsteps of her father, Leroy Phoenix, Sr., she pursued a career in 
law enforcement and became one of few women to serve as an investigator 
with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. She died in the line of duty on 
February 14, 2008, after coming into contact with an unidentified 
substance and contracting a fatal lung disease. She was 42 years old.
  Ms. Phoenix grew up on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation in 
northern Nevada. After graduating from Sparks High School, she began 
her career as a tribal ranger on the reservation and later became BIA 
chief of police of Carson City, NV. She emphasized the importance of 
community-oriented policing and her service was exemplary. She will 
continue to be an inspirational example to young Native American women.
  The dedication Ms. Phoenix demonstrated as an officer was 
complemented by her dedication to children. In 2000, she lost her own 
children, Shasta and Justin, along with her brother Ronald, to a car 
accident along the Pyramid Highway in Sparks, NV. In response to this 
devastating tragedy, she established youth outreach programs in her 
children's memory. She was also instrumental in getting a median 
divider installed on the stretch of road where the accident occurred, 
once again showing her profound commitment to the safety of others.
  Though I am saddened by her passing, I share with this body my 
gratitude for her devotion to her community. I also extend to her 
family, friends, and colleagues my condolences.

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