Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-14

COMMEMORATING ANNIVERSARY AND SACRIFICE OF OFFICER JOHN ANTHONY VALENZUELA

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On 2026-05-14, Representative Adelita S. Grijalva (D-AZ-7) delivered a floor speech titled "COMMEMORATING ANNIVERSARY AND SACRIFICE OF OFFICER JOHN ANTHONY VALENZUELA" in the House.

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COMMEMORATING ANNIVERSARY AND SACRIFICE OF OFFICER JOHN ANTHONY VALENZUELA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)] [House] [Page H3510] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] COMMEMORATING ANNIVERSARY AND SACRIFICE OF OFFICER JOHN ANTHONY VALENZUELA (Mrs. GRIJALVA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Mrs. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the anniversary of the sacrifice of fallen officer John Anthony Valenzuela of the South Tucson Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty on May 17, 1993. Officer Valenzuela was just 27 years old. He served as a school resource officer, dedicating himself to protecting children and strengthening the trust within the south Tucson community, a community in which he was raised, attended school, lived, and had strong ties. On the day of his death, he acted on behalf of a young victim and courageously joined fellow officers in serving a warrant connected to a child sex abuse investigation. In the face of danger, Officer Valenzuela gave his life in service to others. He is the only officer killed in the line of duty in the history of the South Tucson Police Department. More than three decades later, his legacy lives on in southern Arizona through the John Valenzuela Youth Center named in his honor, his family and friends, and through the countless lives he touched by his service and sacrifice. We remember Officer John Valenzuela with gratitude, respect, and solemn remembrance. May he forever rest in peace. ____________________

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COMMEMORATING ANNIVERSARY AND SACRIFICE OF OFFICER JOHN ANTHONY VALENZUELA Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)] [House] [Page H3510] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] COMMEMORATING ANNIVERSARY AND SACRIFICE OF OFFICER JOHN ANTHONY VALENZUELA (Mrs. GRIJALVA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Mrs. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the anniversary of the sacrifice of fallen officer John Anthony Valenzuela of the South Tucson Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty on May 17, 1993. Officer Valenzuela was just 27 years old. He served as a school resource officer, dedicating himself to protecting children and strengthening the trust within the south Tucson community, a community in which he was raised, attended school, lived, and had strong ties. On the day of his death, he acted on behalf of a young victim and courageously joined fellow officers in serving a warrant connected to a child sex abuse investigation. In the face of danger, Officer Valenzuela gave his life in service to others. He is the only officer killed in the line of duty in the history of the South Tucson Police Department. More than three decades later, his legacy lives on in southern Arizona through the John Valenzuela Youth Center named in his honor, his family and friends, and through the countless lives he touched by his service and sacrifice. We remember Officer John Valenzuela with gratitude, respect, and solemn remembrance. May he forever rest in peace. ____________________