[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21524]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING AARON PEARSON, RETIRED OFFICER OF THE SPRINGFIELD POLICE 
   DEPARTMENT, FOR BEING INJURED IN THE LINE OF DUTY PROTECTING THE 
                         SPRINGFIELD COMMUNITY

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                            HON. BILLY LONG

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 17, 2015

  Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Aaron Pearson, 
retired officer of the Springfield Police Department, for his 
dedication to protecting the Springfield community as well as his 
courage and perseverance after being injured in the line of duty.
  On January 26, 2015, Officer Pearson was struck below the left eye 
with one of several rounds fired at him while responding to a request 
for backup. As a result of his injuries, doctors predicted that Aaron 
would likely never walk or talk again, but he never gave up. Aaron 
persevered through months of difficult rehab and less than five months 
later he made enough progress to throw the first pitch at the 
Springfield Cardinals game. His actions have shown an incredible 
example of courage in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. This 
November, he was awarded the Springfield Police Department Purple Heart 
for enduring this adversity.
  Officer Pearson served his community with passion throughout his time 
with the Springfield Police Department. Before his retirement, Aaron's 
accomplishments exemplified this and those who worked with him in the 
line of duty had great respect for his professionalism.
  Mr. Speaker, Aaron Pearson has worked tirelessly to protect his 
community and better those around him; I extend to him my deepest 
appreciation for his courage and dedication to ensuring the safety of 
the Springfield community. His efforts have not only contributed 
greatly the Springfield community, but have made me proud to serve the 
people of Missouri's seventh Congressional District.

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