Chris Chocola: “in light of Women's History Month, today I rise in honor of Laverne Dunlap. Laverne Dunlap retired earlier this month…”

“in light of Women's History Month, today I rise in honor of Laverne Dunlap. Laverne Dunlap retired earlier this month after 35 years of service with the Michigan City, Indiana, Police Department. Her story is much more than just a story about a public servant. It is a story about a pioneer. The story actually begins in Greenwood, Mississippi, where Laverne was born. At the age of 5, she moved to Kingston Heights, Indiana, with her family. In 1963, she moved to Michigan City, but she never forgot where she came from, and at the age of 21, she traveled back to Greenwood, Mississippi, with a traveling band to perform in her hometown. Mr. Speaker, I believe that the true test of greatness is not how someone responds to success, but how they respond to adversity. The choices we make when we are in the midst of trials and tribulations are the true reflection of our character. Well, Mr. Speaker, one night in Greenwood, Mississippi, Laverne Dunlap's character was tested, and like many before her and many after her, she turned her trials into her triumph. While swimming in a pool in the hotel where she was staying, Laverne and her sister were roughed up and arrested by police. Their crime, swimming in a pool only meant for white people. This was the moment when Laverne Dunlap knew her destiny was to become a police officer, not to exact revenge, but to make sure that those wearing the uniform of trust could truly be trusted.…”