Political Quotes

“I rise today to recognize Denise Ann Phoenix, a role model, native Nevadan, and hero. Ms. Phoenix, known by her nickname ``Auntie,'' devoted her life to improving her Native American community and promoting child safety. Following in the footsteps of her father, Leroy Phoenix, Sr., she pursued a career in law enforcement and became one of few women to serve as an investigator with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. She died in the line of duty on February 14, 2008, after coming into contact with an unidentified substance and contracting a fatal lung disease. She was 42 years old. Ms. Phoenix grew up on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation in northern Nevada. After graduating from Sparks High School, she began her career as a tribal ranger on the reservation and later became BIA chief of police of Carson City, NV. She emphasized the importance of community-oriented policing and her service was exemplary. She will continue to be an inspirational example to young Native American women. The dedication Ms. Phoenix demonstrated as an officer was complemented by her dedication to children. In 2000, she lost her own children, Shasta and Justin, along with her brother Ronald, to a car accident along the Pyramid Highway in Sparks, NV. In response to this devastating tragedy, she established youth outreach programs in her children's memory.”