Honoring Fallen Police Officers

Floor Speech

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Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and having this Special Order tonight. It is important that we allow time to acknowledge the brave men and women who serve as police officers throughout our country.

During the August district work period, I had the opportunity to participate in an event to memorialize and honor a fallen officer from Minnesota, Officer Tommy Decker. Tommy was an amazing individual who dedicated his life to serving the Cold Spring community in central Minnesota.

On Thursday, November 29, 2012, while conducting a welfare check, Tommy was ambushed and taken from this world far too soon. At the young age of 31, Tommy had already given 10 years of his life to serve his community.

My predecessor, Michele Bachmann, worked tirelessly to ensure that Tommy received the recognition he so greatly deserved, and 2 weeks ago we dedicated the Cold Spring Post Office in the name of Officer Tommy Decker, a man who gave his life to the Cold Spring community.

I was privileged to participate in the ceremony on behalf of Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District and to continue the great work that Michele began. We now have this lasting reminder of Tommy, his service, and his great heroism to his community.

We try to thank our military veterans and the servicemen and -women in uniform as much as possible for their work and sacrifice to protect our freedoms and keep us safe. We should do the same for our men and women in police uniforms.

Police are courageous and selfless servants in our communities. They patrol our streets to keep us safe. Perhaps now more than ever, they not only deserve but need our acknowledgement, support, and encouragement.

Every day, police officers across this country go to work not knowing what they are going to encounter, all the while knowing that, regardless, it is their duty to, quite literally, serve and protect.

Tommy and all of the men and women who proudly wear their police uniforms are looked up to by many, and we all owe them so much.

Thank you to all of our police officers across the United States. We pray for your safe return home tonight and every night.

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