National Police Week

Floor Speech

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Mr. VASQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Police Week to honor the courageous law enforcement officers from New Mexico who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities.

Every day across our country and in my home State, law enforcement officers wake up, put on the badge, and commit themselves to protecting our neighbors. It is a calling that demands bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication.

This week, we remember those who answered the call and never returned home.

This year, three officers from New Mexico are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall here in Washington: Corrections Officer Roberto Rodriguez of Dona Ana County, Patrol Officer Jonah Hernandez of the Las Cruces Police Department, and Patrolman Justin C. Hare of the New Mexico State Police.

I also want to honor those who recently did not have the opportunity to come home: Las Cruces Police Officer J.R. Stewart, Albuquerque Police Officer Bianca Quintana, Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony ``Tony'' Ferguson, Alamogordo Patrolman James M. Sides, New Mexico State Police Officer Darian Jarrott, and Curry County Sheriff Michael Reeves.

To their friends, families, and colleagues: Know that your loved ones are not forgotten. We grieve with you.

As we reflect on their sacrifice, we must also recommit ourselves to doing more for those who wear the badge today. That means investing in officer safety, mental health, and wellness. It means supporting their families, and it means ensuring they have the tools and resources to serve our communities with dignity and professionalism. Choosing a life of service and law enforcement is not easy. It comes with risks that most of us will never know, but because of officers like Roberto, Jonah, and Justin, our communities are safer, and our values of justice and service endure.

On behalf of all New Mexicans, I offer my deepest gratitude. May their memories be a blessing, and may we continue to honor them with action, compassion, and resolve. Recognizing Chief Jeremy Story

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Mr. VASQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional public servant from my district, Chief Jeremy Story.

Chief Story is from the Las Cruces Police Department, my hometown, and he is someone I was proud to serve with in local government. Chief Story has spent over 18 years in service to Las Cruces, rising through the ranks from cadet to chief of police. He is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, a graduate of New Mexico State University, and a man deeply rooted in the values of duty, accountability, and community.

Earlier this year, our community faced a horrific mass shooting, an act of senseless violence that shook Las Cruces to its core. In the face of this tragedy, Chief Story responded swiftly and with compassion. His leadership was grounded in facts, calm under pressure, and, most importantly, rooted in empathy for the victims, their families, and all of those affected.

At a time when our community needed strength and clarity, Chief Story was there, not only with answers, but with presence. He brought together law enforcement, emergency responders, and community leaders, not just to respond, but to begin the healing of our community.

In May of this year, he was named Citizen of the Year by the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce. That recognition was well-earned. Today, I want to make sure that his dedication is honored here on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all New Mexicans, I thank Chief Jeremy Story for his continued leadership and unwavering commitment to the people of Las Cruces.

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