Political Quotes

“sometimes all it takes to be a hero is to do your job the way you are supposed to do that job. A few days after New Year's, a deranged gunman walked into the Lloyd D. George Federal building in downtown Las Vegas. In addition to housing our Federal courts, it is also the building where my staff works, Senator Ensign's staff, and of course many other employees of the people of the State of Nevada. Court security Officer Stanley Cooper and Deputy U.S. Marshal Richard J. Gardner--everyone calls him Joe--were on duty that day. They were both in the lobby when the gunman got there. Both of them were shot. Officer Cooper didn't make it. He died in the line of duty. I met his family and spoke at his funeral earlier this year, and I know they still miss him every day. Joe Gardner was more fortunate. He returned fire on the gunman. He too was hit while protecting the people working and visiting the courthouse but he did survive. We can never know for sure how many lives were saved because Officer Cooper gave his or because U.S. Marshal Gardner put his own life at risk. And they can never know how grateful we are for their courage. It is hard to explain. I am proud to say I have appointed this exemplary Nevadan--U.S. Marshal Joe Gardner--to the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Board. Because if anyone knows what bravery is, it is Joe Gardner.”