Sam Farr: “Every day, police officers place themselves in harm's way to protect our communities. It's that unselfish act that…”

“Every day, police officers place themselves in harm's way to protect our communities. It's that unselfish act that separates them from ordinary citizens. Through their willingness to serve, our brave policemen and -women represent the best of our country. Sadly, last week, in my district, two fine officers, Sergeant Loran ``Butch'' Baker and Detective Elizabeth Butler, were killed in the line of duty in the small town of Santa Cruz, California. Sergeant Baker and Detective Butler are the first officers to be killed in the line of duty in the city's 137-year history. Our prayers and sympathies are with the families and loved ones of these officers. And I'd like the House to take a brief moment of silence in their memory. Sergeant Baker leaves behind a wife, two daughters and a son, who is a Community Service Officer with the Santa Cruz Police Department. Detective Butler leaves behind her partner and two young sons. This is a horrible tragedy, and I join with the residents of the Central Coast to mourn this loss and to pay our respects to these two fallen heroes. ____________________”