[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 20145]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO OFFICER JAMES BONNEAU

 Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, on behalf of myself and Senator 
Levin, I wish to pay tribute to James ``Jim'' Bonneau, a member of the 
Jackson Police Department in Jackson, MI, who has been posthumously 
awarded the Congressional Badge of Bravery.
  Officer Bonneau was born in Canton, MI to Marc and Amy Bonneau. 
Growing up he always wanted to help others and become a police officer. 
After graduating from Canton High in 2002, he earned a degree in 
criminal justice from Eastern Michigan University. In 2007, he followed 
his dream and joined the Jackson Police Department, which put him 
through Lansing Community College's Mid-Michigan Police Academy.
  Bonneau excelled at the academy and graduated at the top of his 
class. He was well liked by the faculty and his fellow classmates. Even 
though he was with the department for two short years, his excellence 
on the job and connection with the community he served made a 
difference and touched many lives.
  On March 9, 2010, Officer Bonneau and Blackman Township Public Safety 
Officer Darin McIntosh responded to a domestic disturbance call. The 
suspect fired multiple shots at both officers wounding Officer Bonneau 
in the chest and Officer McIntosh in the leg. Though mortally wounded, 
Officer Bonneau showed bravery and determination while he relayed 
critical information to central dispatch regarding the incident. His 
actions ensured that the responding officers knew what to expect upon 
entering the home. Tragically, he later died from his injuries.
  Officer Bonneau's exceptional acts of bravery and presence of mind 
while in the line of duty earned him a well-deserved nomination and 
award of the State and Local Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of 
Bravery.
  On behalf of the City of Jackson and the State of Michigan, we 
express our gratitude to Officer Bonneau and his family for his bravery 
and commitment to law enforcement. He made the ultimate sacrifice so 
that others may live in safety.

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