[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 3832]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING CARL ALLEN KOONTZ

  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today, on the eve of what would have 
been his 27th birthday, I rise to recognize and honor the extraordinary 
service and ultimate sacrifice of Howard County, IN, deputy Carl 
Koontz. Dedicated, loyal, and, above all, compassionate to those in 
need, Deputy Koontz served with the Howard County Sheriff's Department 
for nearly 3 years.
  A native of Kokomo, IN, and a graduate of Western High School and 
Indiana University Kokomo, Carl served his community with dedication as 
a corrections officer prior to attending the Indiana Law Enforcement 
Academy and achieving his dream of becoming a sheriff's deputy. Those 
who served alongside Deputy Koontz describe him as selfless, dedicated, 
and determined. A respected friend, leader, and mentor, he touched the 
lives of all who had the privilege to know him, including the students 
and staff of the Northwestern School Corporation, where he served as a 
school resource officer.
  On March 20, 2016, while serving a search warrant, Deputy Koontz and 
Sergeant Jordan Buckley were shot in the line of duty. We mourn the 
loss of Deputy Koontz, who succumbed to his injuries, and we wish 
Sergeant Buckley a quick recovery. Every day, our law enforcement 
professionals and first responders get up, go to work, and put their 
lives on the line to keep our communities safe. That is exactly what 
Deputy Koontz, Sergeant Buckley, and their fellow officers were doing 
in the early hours of that Sunday morning--their job. They put their 
lives on the line so that we have the chance to live in safety, and we 
are eternally grateful.
  Deputy Koontz is survived and deeply missed by his wife, Kassie; son, 
Noah; parents, Allen and Jackie; sister, Alice; grandparents, Ann and 
Allen Koontz and Alice and Carl Durham, as well as the entire Koontz 
and Floyd family and the Howard County Sheriff's Department. No words 
or sentiment can adequately express our sadness and grief. As a 
community, we can only offer our prayers, our support, and our 
continued commitment to honor his service.
  Deputy Koontz loved his work, and he gave his life to serve and 
protect the citizens of Howard County. Although he would not have 
considered himself a hero, Deputy Koontz demonstrated his character 
daily by conducting himself with compassion, honor, courage, and 
integrity. Let us always remember and emulate the shining example this 
brave man set for us and honor him for his selfless commitment to 
serving his fellow citizens. May God welcome Carl home and give comfort 
to his family and friends.

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