[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 1248]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               HEROIC ACTIONS OF NEVADA'S FEDERAL AGENTS

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay 
tribute to the heroic actions of eight Federal agents at the Lloyd D. 
George Federal District Courthouse in Las Vegas, NV.
  On January 4, 2010, an armed man entered the Lloyd D. George Federal 
District Courthouse and opened fire at the Federal agents securing 
entrance to the building. The Federal agents fought to ensure the 
safety of the employees, occupants, and visitors of the courthouse. On 
that day, Stanley Cooper gave the ultimate sacrifice.
  Stanley Cooper, 72, was a Court Security Officer at the courthouse. 
Stanley was born in Tulsa, OK, where he began his career in public 
service in 1960. After four years, Stanley moved to Las Vegas, NV, to 
serve in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Stanley retired 
as a sergeant after 26 years with the LVMPD. Soon after, he began work 
as a court security officer with the U.S. Marshals Service. He was a 
quiet man whose passion and dedication for serving the people of his 
community was only surmounted by his love for his family. Stanley 
Cooper died valiantly in the line of duty to protect the lives of those 
around him. I offer my most heartfelt condolences to the families, 
friends, and loved ones of Stanley Cooper.
  Alongside Stanley Cooper were Deputy U.S. Marshal Richard Gardner, 
U.S. Marshal Dave Del Berti, Court Security Officer Jack Eklund, Court 
Security Officer Arthur Gennaro, Court Security Officer Michael Gerrity 
III, Court Security Officer William Sherman, and Detention Officer 
Justin Cord. Richard Gardner, 48, was treated and released for injuries 
he sustained during the shooting. Richard serves as Deputy U.S. Marshal 
at the Lloyd D. George Federal District Courthouse. These eight brave 
men pursued the gunman as he fled across the street to the Historic 
Fifth Street School, where he was later subdued.
  Law enforcement personnel put their lives at risk every day to 
protect our communities, and we should all be grateful for their 
sacrifices. On the morning of January 4, these eight men showed the 
bravery, sense of duty, and valor of true heroes. Selflessly, they put 
themselves in harm's way to subdue the gunman, preventing harm to 
innocent bystanders.
  I am humbled today to honor these eight men for their extraordinary 
bravery, dedicated service to the citizens of the great State of 
Nevada, and the heroic measures they took to save the lives of others. 
My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this tragedy. As we 
grieve, may all of us find strength in the courage and compassion shown 
by the federal agents during this tremendously difficult time.
  Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, I am honored to rise today to pay tribute 
to the brave men who literally fought off evil on January 4, 2010, at 
the Lloyd D. George Federal Building in Las Vegas, NV. On that tragic 
day, an armed assailant entered the lobby of the courthouse with clear 
objectives, to kill as many innocent people as he possibly could. Court 
Security Officer Stanley Cooper went to work that day with the same 
vision and determination he had every day; that was to keep the 
employees and visitors to the Federal building safe as they went about 
their lives. Tragically, Stan was fatally wounded by the gunman as he 
faithfully stood his watch at the security check point that morning.
  Stanley Cooper was a quiet and gentle man who dedicated his life to 
the service and protection of others. He retired after 26 years as an 
officer with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and then 
chose a life of service again as a court security officer. Stan will 
always be remembered as a hero, not only because he gave his life in 
that one terrible moment on January 4 but also because he gave his life 
every day in the selfless act of serving others.
  The other court security officers on duty that day, along with 
members of the U.S. Marshals Service and a detention officer, acted 
swiftly and bravely to subdue the gunman and protect the countless 
innocent lives that were in harm's way. Deputy U.S. Marshal Richard J. 
``Joe'' Gardner was wounded in the ensuing battle as he and the other 
officers valiantly fought off the deadly attack.
  It is with utmost gratitude that I take a moment to remember and 
commend the life of a true hero, Officer Stanley Cooper, and to thank 
Deputy U.S. Marshal Joe Gardner, the court security officers, the U.S. 
deputy marshals, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers, 
and all law enforcement officers who responded to the heinous assault 
at the Lloyd D. George Federal Building on January 4, 2010, for their 
brave and courageous actions. Stan and the other officers answered the 
call of duty that day without concern for themselves or their own 
safety. Their sacrifice and courage will not be forgotten.
  May God grant Stan's beloved family and friends peace and comfort in 
this time of loss, and may He continue to protect all the men and women 
in law enforcement who selflessly serve and protect others.

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