[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16840]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF REGINALD ``JAKE'' GUTIERREZ

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 23, 2016

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and service of 
Officer Reginald ``Jake'' Gutierrez of the Tacoma Police Department, 
who was killed in the line of duty on Wednesday, November 30, 2016. My 
heart goes out to Jake's fiancee, children, and grandchild, who lost 
him in service to his community and his country. This is a tragedy.
  Officer Gutierrez lost his life in a senseless act of violence. Those 
who witnessed the shooting of Officer Gutierrez stated that his 
sacrifice saved the lives of those around him. His last action was to 
shout a warning to those in and around the house--his partner, the 
suspect's family, and their landlord--to leave the house to safety. His 
final moments are a testament to his selflessness, his bravery, and his 
commitment to helping others.
  Mr. Speaker, Jake was a well-respected member of the Tacoma Police 
Department. A resident of Kitsap County, he had served on the Tacoma 
force for 17 years. Officer Gutierrez was a 45-year-old father of 
three, a grandfather of one, and was engaged to be married. These 
dreams have been cut short by his death, and remind us that life is 
precious and uncertain.
  Fellow officers and residents of Tacoma remember him for his quick 
wit and his easy-going manner. They point to the fact that he always 
had a smile on his face, and cared about the community he served. 
Leaders in the neighborhood in which he was killed have remarked on the 
stand-up character of Officer Gutierrez. He was truly a hero.
  Mr. Speaker, Officer Jake Gutierrez was a person who, like so many in 
the law enforcement community, put service above self.
  I join with those who gather in remembrance of this fine man. Jake 
gave the ultimate sacrifice as a public servant and protector of our 
community's safety. I am honored and humbled to recognize him today in 
the United States Congress.

                          ____________________