Robert Pittenger: “Thank you. I am so grateful that the gentleman from Texas took the leadership in honoring and paying tribute to those…”

“Thank you. I am so grateful that the gentleman from Texas took the leadership in honoring and paying tribute to those who defend and protect us in our own communities. Madam Speaker, tonight I can think of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officers Harlan Proctor, Ashley Brown, and Scott Evett who, in the aftermath of a horrific domestic violence homicide and arson earlier this year, used their own time and their own money to purchase clothes and toys for the children left behind. They never expected to get any type of recognition. Madam Speaker, I think of my friend Detective Shane Page, who volunteered for the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team, who was shot and seriously wounded while attempting to arrest a dangerous suspect who was hiding out in a quiet neighborhood. Earlier this year I met Cornelius Police Lieutenant James Quattlebaum at Carolinas Medical Center. He had just been shot earlier that day while responding to a domestic disturbance. And Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Lieutenant Nate King was conducting routine police business last year when a frantic mother drove up and placed a lifeless baby in his arms. The 6-month-old baby was choking to death. But thanks to Lieutenant King's lifesaving efforts, the little girl made a full recovery. Every day thousands of brave superheroes go to work to serve and protect our children, our homes, and our communities. The pay is low. The hours are long. They are often screamed at. They are hit. They are spit upon and even bitten.…”