Moment of Silence in Remembrance of Deputy Bradley Reckling

Floor Speech

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Mr. JAMES. Mr. Speaker, southeast Michigan has been devastated by a recent string of egregious violence. On June 15, nine people were senselessly shot at the Rochester Hills Splash Pad in Brooklands Plaza. We continue to pray for the victims and their families and stand by ready to bring some small solace and resolution to those affected.

Within 2 minutes of shots being fired, police officers arrived on the scene. They saved countless numbers of lives on June 15 by running toward the danger, not away from it. The selfless sacrifice of our law enforcement officers stands as our greatest barrier between chaos and order, good and evil.

In the same way, just a week later, on June 22, Deputy Bradley Reckling, a sheriff's deputy in Oakland County, responded to a call and willingly went into harm's way. Upon responding to the scene, Bradley Reckling was ambushed, shot and killed in the line of duty, going toward danger, not away from it.

His remarkable soul is now in Heaven, at peace, but his life was lost to his family and his friends. Bradley was more than a law enforcement officer. He was a husband, a father, a son, a brother, and a friend. He leaves behind a loving family, his three beautiful little girls, and his wife, Jacqueline, who is now a pregnant, young widow.

Everyone in Michigan is both disheartened and horrified by this news of shameful crime. True evil has taken Bradley away from us, this light away from us, far too soon, and we are all committed to doing what it takes to end this senseless violence.

Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and our prayers for Bradley's family are with them. I ask the Members in the Chamber to join us, the southeast Michigan delegation, to please rise and join us in a moment of silence.

Bradley, God rest your soul.

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