[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12403]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


 REMEMBERING THE FALLEN CAPITOL POLICE OFFICERS J.J. CHESTNUT AND JOHN 
                                 GIBSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 23, 2015

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in remembrance of Jacob ``J.J.'' 
Chestnut and John Gibson, who lost their lives on July 24, 1998, 
protecting the Members of this Chamber and the public while rendering 
honorable service as members of the U.S. Capitol Police Department.
  President John F. Kennedy once remarked: ``A man does what he must in 
spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and 
pressures, and that is the basis of all human morality.''
  On July 24, 1998 this idea was given tangible expression when 
Officers Chestnut and Gibson lost their lives while serving others in 
the line of duty.
  As the assailant opened fire in the hall of the Capitol, Officers 
Chestnut and Gibson reacted by putting themselves between the gunman 
and the innocent persons and representatives present in the Capitol 
that day.
  Who knows what carnage would have unfolded had Officer Gibson not 
brought an end to this violence by neutralizing the assailants.
  I vividly remember being here in this very chamber when the shootout 
started in 1998, and I know that their heroic actions saved many lives.
  Officer Chestnut was on his second tour of public service, previously 
serving in the Vietnam War as an officer.
  His military leadership skills translated seamlessly into his Capitol 
Police Officer role and were recognized when he was named Capitol 
Police Officer of the Year.
  Even though Officer Chestnut was close to retirement his tireless 
effort to fulfill his role as protector saved many lives on that tragic 
day.
  Officer Gibson not only was active and respected by his colleagues 
here on Capitol Hill, his commitment to his local community was 
exemplary.
  An eighteen year veteran of the department, Officer Gibson was 
described as a model officer who always followed the golden rule and 
treated others with respect whether in uniform or not.
  I would also like to thank all of the Capitol Hill Police Officers 
who protect me and my colleagues in Congress as well as the thousands 
of Americans who visit their national Capitol every day.
  These guardians protect more than the innocent people around them 
that day.
  They serve as examples of the oath all of our men and women in 
uniform take when volunteering to serve their nation as Capitol Police 
Officers:
  We protect the legislative process, the symbol of our democracy, the 
people who carry out the process, and the millions of visitors who 
travel here to see democracy in action;
  Every American who visits the Capitol, as well as those visitors from 
around the world, is a member of our protected community and sees 
first-hand how we are the best of America's spirit and diversity;
  As an agency, we are a microcosm of America, representational of many 
races, colors, religions, political affiliations, sexual orientations, 
and ages. Our workforce derives from almost all 50 states and 
territories, with some representation from other countries. We embrace 
and celebrate a diverse workforce, where we believe inclusion makes our 
workplace stronger and respecting each individual as a person and as a 
professional is essential; and;
  We represent the best in American policing. We act on the world stage 
every day of the year, as a model in security, urban crime prevention, 
dignitary protection, specialty response capabilities, and homeland 
security. We are often the first face that visitors and employees 
encounter, and we leave a lasting impression that is reflective of the 
Legislative Branch and its role in America's democracy.
  Officers Chestnut and Gibson exemplified what the incredible 
sacrifice is that police officers make every day when they head out 
into the community to protect and serve their family, friends, and 
neighbors.
  Mr. Speaker, this is why I am proud to remember the heroic actions of 
the Capitol Police Officers J.J. Chestnut and John Gibson on this day 
in 1998.
  The Scriptures teach that no great love hath any but that he lay down 
his life for another.
  Officers Chestnut and Gibson showed great love for their fellow men 
and women on July 24, 1998, and for their heroism, they will always be 
remembered.

                          ____________________