[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 11846]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATHS OF J.J. CHESTNUT AND JOHN GIBSON

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, as visitors walk through the Capitol 
for the first time, they eventually come across a plaque near one of 
the entrances on the East Front that memorializes an event which took 
place 13 years ago yesterday.
  It was 13 years ago that Officers Jacob Joseph Chestnut and Detective 
John Michael Gibson made the ultimate sacrifice to protect all who were 
working and visiting the Capitol on that Friday afternoon.
  And every year at this time, we take a moment to step back from our 
work, put aside our differences, and remember these good men whose 
sacrifice stands as a permanent reminder of the debt we owe to them, 
and to all those who continue to put themselves on the front line every 
day to defend the rest of us--from the Capitol Police force, to local 
law enforcement officials, to those serving overseas.
  America has always been blessed to have men and women rise up in 
every generation who are willing to put their Nation ahead of their 
lives. Today, we honor two in particular who did so in this building. 
Officer Chestnut was a 20-year veteran of the Air Force, a loving 
husband, and a father of five.
  Detective Gibson had served 3 years on Congressman Tom DeLay's 
protective detail. Both had served 18 years on the Capitol Police 
force. A friend of Detective Gibson's recalled shortly after the 
shooting that just a few days before, John told him he had never had to 
draw his weapon on the job. Yet despite being mortally wounded on the 
day he died, John did not hesitate to return fire, wounding the 
intruder. Calling upon his instincts and training, Detective Gibson's 
actions saved many lives that day.
  Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson exemplify the best America has 
to offer. And that is why we honor them here today.
  My friend the majority leader is a former Capitol Police officer. He 
understands more than anyone in this Chamber the honor and dedication, 
as well as the risks associated with the job. I know he joins me in 
honoring Jacob Joseph Chestnut and John Michael Gibson, as well as all 
Capitol Police who put their lives on the line every day to protect us 
and this institution.
  To all members of the Capitol Police force: thank you for your 
service and your professionalism. Your duties do not go unnoticed. And 
on this day that we remember Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson, I 
would also like to take a moment to remember the families of these good 
men who have been so deeply affected by this tragedy. Our prayers 
continue to go out to them. May God continue to protect them as their 
loved ones protected us.

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