Andre Carson: “I thank my colleague and friend, the Representative who we affectionately call Chief Demings, for organizing this…”

“I thank my colleague and friend, the Representative who we affectionately call Chief Demings, for organizing this Special Order hour. You don't get many friends like Congresswoman Demings. She is a true leader; she is thoughtful; and she is a true public servant. I join her, Mr. Speaker, this National Police Week to honor and remember the officers who lost their lives last year in the line of duty. I can remember, years ago, traveling with my colleagues from the Indiana State Excise Police to honor my colleague's dad, who passed away in a high-speed pursuit on State Road 231. He was the sheriff, Sheriff Jim Baugh of Putnam County, and we came out here years ago to honor Mr. Baugh. Though nothing can bring back the lives that have been lost or ease the collective grief we feel, we take comfort in knowing that we will never forget them or the sacrifices they have made. We pledge, Mr. Speaker, to keep their legacy alive through our efforts to improve policing for every community, for all Americans. As a former law enforcement officer, this priority is deeply personal. I want to pay special tribute to all the law enforcement officers in my district who are working to keep our city safe and build greater trust with the neighborhoods they serve. I also want to honor the Hoosier officers statewide who have lost their lives.…”