John Rutherford: “``As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the…”

“``As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality, and justice.'' Mr. Speaker, that is the opening line of the Law Enforcement Officers Code of Ethics, a code every officer whose name is etched into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial lived and died by. Today, I rise to honor two fallen police officers from my district whose names were added to the memorial wall this year, Sergeant Michael Paul Kunovich and Deputy Sheriff Peder Thomas Johnson. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, May 19, 2023, following the arrest of a combative suspect armed with a knife, Sergeant Michael Paul Kunovich suffered a fatal heart attack from the physical exertion and stress caused while apprehending the fleeing suspect. {time} 1945 Sergeant Kunovich served 26 years in the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. He received numerous awards, including a Meritorious Service Award in 2023 and 2013, an Exceptional Service Award in 2010, and many letters of commendation. Sergeant Kunovich also served on the SWAT team for 5 years while earning his bachelor's degree in public administration from Flagler College. Through and through, Sergeant Kunovich was a servant leader, dedicated to protecting his community until the end of his watch.…”