[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12399]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING DAVID VANBUSKIRK

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, the State of Nevada mourns the loss 
of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Search and Rescue Officer 
David Vanbuskirk. Officer Vanbuskirk was a true hero who lost his life 
during a search and rescue operation at Mt. Charleston. His inspiring 
legacy of public service will be long remembered.
  Officer Vanbuskirk began his service with the Las Vegas Metropolitan 
Police Department 13 years ago, and was one of only seven commissioned 
officers charged with conducting rescues for the department. On Monday, 
July 22, 2013, he responded to a call for help from a stranded hiker 
who needed emergency assistance. It was during this dangerous rescue 
mission that Officer Vanbuskirk nobly gave his life in the line of 
duty.
  Officer Vanbuskirk represented the very best of Nevada, and his 
sacrifice is exemplary of the highest standards of public service. His 
commitment to service above self is the definition of heroic, as is his 
willingness to place the safety and welfare of others before his own. 
His actions remind us that there are brave and fearless Americans who 
put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, and we owe them 
all a profound debt for their service.
  While the State of Nevada will dearly miss this dedicated officer, 
his memory and legacy of courage will continue to live on in our 
hearts. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this fallen 
Nevadan, and I offer my deepest condolences to Officer Vanbuskirk's 
family and loved ones during this difficult time.

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