[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16465]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING OFFICER LUIS PANIAGUA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Officer Luis Paniagua, whom I have named a 2016 Public Safety Hero of 
the Year for Napa County in California's 5th Congressional District. 
This award is given to exceptional members of our community who perform 
beyond their duty as a public servant.
  A native of Santa Rosa, California, Officer Paniagua graduated from 
Santa Rosa Junior College with an Associate's Degree in Administrative 
Justice before joining the Calistoga Police Department. Additionally, 
Officer Paniagua works with third grade students through the Read Aloud 
Partners program.
  Officer Paniagua showed outstanding leadership and bravery during a 
robbery incident this year. Despite his relatively short tenure, 
Officer Paniagua reacted quickly and bravely to stop two armed suspects 
from fleeing the robbery of an armored car. He even managed to arrest 
one of the men without drawing his weapon, and the other suspect was 
apprehended shortly thereafter. Officer Paniagua's quick thinking under 
pressure helped the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office arrest the two 
suspects, and his example of bravery and decisiveness should inspire 
all of our public servants.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Officer Paniagua for his dedication to our 
community's safety. For this reason, it is fitting and proper that I 
honor him here today.

                          ____________________