Bonnie Watson Coleman: “Today I rise during Police Week to honor a son of New Jersey's 12th District who gave his life protecting many of the…”

“Today I rise during Police Week to honor a son of New Jersey's 12th District who gave his life protecting many of the people that are Members of this Chamber. Brian Sicknick was raised in South River, New Jersey. He attended East Brunswick Technical High School where he dreamed of being a police officer. He later joined the New Jersey Air Force National Guard's 108th Wing at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. Officer Sicknick served in Operation Enduring Freedom, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. He later moved to Springfield, Virginia, and joined the United States Capitol Police. One of his first assignments was the inauguration of President Obama. For 12 years, Officer Sicknick was a dedicated protector of our Capitol. On January 6, 2021, he found himself at the front lines on the Capitol's west side, facing off against a violent mob bent on dismantling our democracy. He came under repeated attacks but held his post, defending the lives of the people who had been elected, their staff, and employees of this Capitol. Later that night, Officer Sicknick collapsed at the Capitol and sadly passed away the next day. Officer Brian Sicknick gave his life defending our democracy against an insurrection fomented by the former President of the United States of America, who is currently on trial. Were it not for that insurrection, Officer Sicknick would still be with us today.…”