HONORING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

On 2025-05-15, Representative Jake Ellzey (R-TX-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS" in the House.

HONORING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 82 (Thursday, May 15, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 82 (Thursday, May 15, 2025)] [House] [Pages H2092-H2096] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS (Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Mr. Evans of Colorado was recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.) General Leave Mr. EVANS of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Fedorchak). Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Colorado? There was no objection. Mr. EVANS of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber), a fellow former law enforcement officer, who [[Page H2093]] served in the Duluth Police Department. Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Evans for yielding. Madam Speaker, this National Police Week is a somber one for Minnesotans, as we have lost three brave officers in the line of duty: Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge, and Jamal Mitchell. I would also be remiss if I did not acknowledge Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth. In February 2024, Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge were attempting to negotiate with a convicted felon who had taken several family members hostage, including seven children. After 3\1/2\ hours of negotiations, the subject opened fire on the officers. Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth was fired on while trying to help the wounded officers to an armored vehicle. On February 18, 2024, Officers Elmstrand and Ruge and Firefighter/ Paramedic Finseth did not return home to their families. In May 2024, officers responded to shots fired in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When the officers arrived, a gunfight ensued. Officer Jamal Mitchell stopped to help what he thought was a wounded victim on the ground. The subject opened multiple rounds and fired upon Officer Mitchell. On May 30, 2024, Officer Jamal Mitchell did not return home to his family. I visited the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial yesterday morning. I saw the names of these men etched into the walls alongside their brothers and sisters who have also paid the ultimate sacrifice. I saw the pictures and the notes left behind by loved ones. I saw the Minneapolis Police patch accompanied by two beers, a silent farewell from a colleague who never got that last drink with their friend. Every year, we have to put more names on that wall, and every year, it is just as heartbreaking as the last. We have to do better by the men and women who serve our communities. We have to support them in their actions, our policies, and our rhetoric. We need to care for their families as if they were our own. I thank those who put on the law enforcement uniform every day, who kiss their families good-bye not knowing if they will come home. It is because of them that our communities and loved ones are safe. To my fellow law enforcement officers across this great Nation, in big and small communities, although my time in uniform may be over, my watch will never end. Please know that I will use my time in office to serve you and your families always. {time} 1830 Mr. EVANS of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for those words. It is truly meaningful. Madam Speaker, I yield to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ellzey). Honoring Captain Bruce ``Puppy'' Fecht Mr. ELLZEY. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from Colorado (Mr. Evans) and my friend from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber), both police officers. Of course, the gentleman from Colorado was a fellow helicopter pilot, unrestricted aviator, and I thank the gentleman for the time that he has given me today. Madam Speaker, today I honor a friend of mine and a true American patriot, Commander Bruce ``Puppy'' Fecht, born November 16, 1955, passed away March 16, 2025. Captain Bruce William Fecht, U.S. Navy, retired, a true American hero, passed away on March 16, 2025, at the age of 69. He was born in Missoula, Montana, to Robert William Fecht and Marjorie June Fehr. When he was a young boy, the family along with older sister Bobbi moved to Spokane, Washington, where the family grew to include his two younger sisters, Rebecca and Brenda. Bruce went to Mead High School, where he was a standout basketball player. He continued his education and basketball prowess at Spokane Community College, eventually completing his electrical engineering degree at UW. His first job at AT&T offered the comfort of a 9-to-5 routine, but it was the thrill of flight that ultimately called to him. Bruce pursued his dream of becoming a naval aviator, applying to and being accepted into Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. He was commissioned in 1982, and 1 year later in April 1983, he received his wings of gold in Beeville, Texas, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in the skies. For the next decade, Bruce, call sign Puppy--we will talk about that in a bit--served with distinction in various squadrons, including the VF-124 Gunslingers, VF-111 Sundowners, VF-126 Bandits, and VF-1 Wolfpack, flying the iconic F-14A and F-14D Tomcat along with the T-2C, A4-E, and F-16N. He completed multiple deployments aboard aircraft carriers like the USS Carl Vinson, USS Ranger, and USS Enterprise. He also graduated from Fighter Weapons School, Top Gun, Adversary Course and earned a master of science degree in systems management from the University of Southern California. Bruce was selected as an extra for the movie ``Top Gun,'' and he can be seen a couple of times, which was filmed on sight in Miramar. He can be seen in the infamous ``Top Gun'' group photo used in the movie. Bruce's career was defined not only by his technical skills and unmatched piloting abilities but also by his leadership. After 14 years in the cockpit, he transitioned to staff roles, including serving as the Pol-Mil officer at U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. There, he played a key role in operations in the Middle East, focusing on Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. Bruce returned to the cockpit in 1999, joining the VF-14 Tophatters as executive officer and, later, commanding officer. Bruce was a man of faith and in the last 2 years of his life, he earned a master's degree in Catholic theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He planned to retire from General Atomics and serve as a chaplain. He attended Saint Ann Catholic Church in Ridgecrest, California, and enjoyed serving meals and singing in the choir. Bruce will be forever remembered for his great sense of humor and his generous heart. He was a faithful son, wonderful brother, and a fun uncle to his nephews and nieces. His personal relationship with Jesus Christ took him through his last difficult journey with the strength and confidence that he can trust his Lord with the outcome of his life. We will miss him dearly but look forward to the day we will be reunited in Heaven. Bruce is survived by his sisters, Bobbi, Rebecca, and Brenda; numerous nieces and nephews; cousins; aunts; friends; and the countless men and women who were fortunate to serve alongside him. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, integrity, and commitment to excellence that will continue to inspire for generations to come. May he rest in peace. Honoring Detention Officer Isaiah Patrick Bias Mr. ELLZEY. Madam Speaker, it is Police Week. In honor of Police Week, I will recognize two remarkable individuals whose bravery and dedication serve as examples of heroism in our communities. First, I honor the life and service of Detention Officer Isaiah Patrick Bias of Ellis County Sheriff's Office. Last December, Officer Bias made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his community at the Ellis County Jail. He began his journey with the sheriff's office as a teenager in the Explorer Program, growing into a respected officer known for his kindness and professionalism. I had the honor of attending Officer Bias' funeral, where family, friends, and fellow officers gathered to remember a man who served with dignity and heart. Ellis County Sheriff Brad Norman spoke of Isaiah's unwavering dedication and the impact he made on everyone who knew him. His passing is a powerful reminder during this Police Week of the dangers faced by our law enforcement officers each and every day. His memory serves as a beacon of service and courage to us all. In Recognition of Mollie McCalister Mr. ELLZEY. Madam Speaker, I next recognize Mollie McCalister. Mollie is a dispatcher from Cherokee County, whose quick thinking and intuition saved a life. Most days, Mollie takes calls about all kinds of things: lost pets, traffic accidents, and folks just needing a little [[Page H2094]] help. Yet, one day, she picked up the phone, and it was different. A woman called asking about her child's eye prescription. That might sound like an odd call for 911, but Mollie picked up on something: a hesitation, a tone in her voice. She knew something wasn't right. She sensed fear and desperation from the other side of the phone. Rather than brushing it off, Mollie followed her instincts. She coordinated with deputies in the area and sent them to the caller's location. Thank God she did because that woman was being held at gunpoint. Madam Speaker, because of her actions, the suspect was arrested, and that caller is still with us today. That is real heroism. It is not the kind you read about in big headlines but the kind that happens every single day in our communities because people like Mollie are paying attention. She listened. She cared and because of that, a life was saved. Mollie reminds us that sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply listen and act. Today, I was privileged to recognize these two heroes, but I am not the only one you have heard from today