Rob Woodall: “I come to the House floor today to honor an amazing public servant in my community, public servant and a role model, a…”

“I come to the House floor today to honor an amazing public servant in my community, public servant and a role model, a Gwinnett County police officer by the name of Antwan Toney. Mr. Speaker, Officer Toney was a California native, but he adopted my local community at the age of 30 and knew that he could change the world from that location. He was working not just to make the world better, but to make us better as individuals--one community, one family, one officer at the time. And, Mr. Speaker, with the infectious smile you see here and a tireless work ethic and boundless energy, he was doing exactly that in my hometown. Mr. Speaker, I wish I was here just to honor Officer Toney today, but on the afternoon of October 20, when responding to a call, Officer Toney was killed. Mr. Speaker, I am appalled and pained by the senselessness of this young man's murder. Mr. Speaker, while our community aches over the loss of Officer Toney, we also celebrate the life that he led and the role model that he provided for all of us. Those who have been fortunate enough to know Officer Toney are forever changed for the better by that experience. Of all the places Officer Toney could have served, I am honored that he chose our home to be the place for his incredibly proud work--again, not just to make us safer, but to make us better. Mr. Speaker, today, I pray for all of those who loved Officer Toney and those whom he loved.…”