[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13955]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE 2014 MINNESOTA POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR

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                        HON. COLLIN C. PETERSON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2014

  Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Eric Kilian 
of the Hutchinson, Minnesota Police Department, a brave law enforcement 
officer from the 7th Congressional District who was recently awarded 
the 2014 Police Officer of the Year award by the Minnesota Police and 
Peace Officers Association--the largest organization of professional 
law enforcement officers in the State.
  Sgt. Kilian has served as a law enforcement officer for over 22 years 
and was recently recognized for his heroic actions during an occurrence 
that took place last October in Hutchinson. When responding to a report 
of a suspicious person, Sgt. Kilian was faced with a dangerous suspect 
likely under the influence of methamphetamines. The suspect engaged the 
officer in a physical altercation and attempted to disarm him and take 
command of his service weapon. Running out of options and thinking 
quickly, Sgt. Kilian discharged his weapon in the suspect's chest. The 
injured perpetrator attempted to escape but collapsed nearby. Sgt. 
Kilian then proceeded to administer first aid until paramedics arrived. 
The suspect ultimately survived after being transported for medical 
treatment. Based on Sgt. Kilian's actions, a dangerous situation was 
resolved, and a life was saved. Sgt. Kilian's professional response to 
the incident demonstrates his excellence as a law enforcement officer, 
and I would like to recognize his brave actions before this Chamber.
  Mr. Speaker, as a long-time friend, supporter and ally of the 
Minnesota law enforcement community, I am proud to recognize the 
sacrifices our officers make in the line of duty each and every day. I, 
along with all my colleagues, owe a great deal of gratitude to the 
Americans who make this a safer country every single day. It is a great 
honor to represent these heroic men and women, and I invite my 
colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Officer Kilian on 
receiving this recognition.

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