[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 10356]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   AURORA POLICE OFFICER DAVID BEMER

  (Mr. FOSTER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, in the last year, we have seen far too many 
examples of conflict and violence in our communities. While we cannot 
forget or ignore these tragedies, it is important that we recognize the 
good that is happening throughout our country every day.
  I would like to take a moment to share with you one example. While 
out on patrol, Aurora, Illinois, Police Officer David Bemer stopped 
when he saw a group of teens in the street. Some of the kids said they 
were alarmed, not knowing why he was stopping or what might happen 
next.
  They explained that they were all part of a dance group called Simply 
Destinee and were practicing in the alley because their dance studio 
had lost electrical power. What happened next was something that we 
would all love to see much more of.
  Officer Bemer got out of his car and danced with the kids. The video 
from this apparently went viral, highlighting exactly the kind of 
community engagement that we would love to see more of.
  This is what happens when police officers like those in my district 
get to know their communities and communities get to know their police 
officers.
  It is only when we work together--police officers, side by side with 
members of the community--that we make real and lasting progress.
  Mr. Speaker, that leaves a smile on my face.

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