[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15833]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


        HONORING FALLEN KISSIMMEE POLICE OFFICER MATTHEW BAXTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 2017

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and privilege to recognize the 
life of fallen Kissimmee Police Officer Matthew Baxter, who passed away 
August 18, 2017. Matthew and his supervisor, Sergeant Sam Howard, were 
fatally wounded while responding to a shots-fired call in the northern 
area of Kissimmee. Both officers sacrificed their lives in the line of 
duty protecting a woman, whose own statement said, ``without 
question,'' the two men were responsible for saving her life.
  Matthew lived and served honorably, proving that no matter where you 
come from or where you are going, you can make a difference. Matthew 
was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Throughout his youth Matthew 
demonstrated his energetic personality and desire to be a role model in 
the community through his participation in athletics like basketball, 
football, and wrestling. His motto was ``pursue the dreams closest to 
the heart and never giving up,'' led to his graduation from Jefferson 
High School in 2009, graduation from Valencia College with a degree in 
Criminal Justice, and his pursuit of a graduate program at Eastern 
Florida State College.
  Matthew joined the police academy to give back and help his 
community. Through his participation in programs such as Big Brothers 
and Big Sisters, and through his role as a police officer, Matthew was 
able to mentor youth. Instilling in them his dedication to pursue a 
path of helping those around them for the betterment of the community.
  Matthew's message of love, encouragement, strength, and community 
live on in every one of the people he touched in the community and with 
his family; which includes his wife, Sadia Baxter, and his four 
daughters Sariah, Isabella, Zarah, and Sofia. For those who put the 
wellbeing of others before their own, they will never be forgotten.

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