[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12531]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING OFFICERS DAVID CURTIS AND JEFFREY KOCAB

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 30, 2010

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of 
David Curtis and Jeffrey Kocab, Tampa police officers who were shot and 
killed in the line of duty Tuesday morning. Both officers were highly 
revered by their peers.
  Officer Curtis is remembered fondly for his positive outlook on life, 
his rational demeanor, and his devotion to this family. Many of those 
who know him comment about his dedication to his wife, Kelly, and four 
sons Austin, Sean, Tyler, and Hunter. He chose to work midnight shifts 
so that he would have more time to spend with them.
  Officer Kocab is described as a highly motivated individual--active 
and productive--always looking for the ``bad guys'' and an exceptional 
learner. He exuded a caring and compassionate temperament toward those 
around him. His colleagues comment that his family was the main focus 
of his life. He was tragically taken from his pregnant wife, Sara.
  Fine officers such as David Curtis and Jeffrey Kocab, who so 
selflessly sacrifice their lives, keep us safe in our communities. 
Though truly proud to have such upstanding officers in my community, it 
is with great remorse that I rise and commemorate their lives. It is 
such a tragedy that these remarkable men were taken at the prime of 
their lives. I extend my condolences to their families, friends, and 
colleagues. Although I did not have the honor of knowing Officer Curtis 
or Officer Kocab, I am thankful to know that because of their tireless 
work, so many lives have been enhanced and made safer.

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