[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E578-E579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

IN MEMORY OF U.S. CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER THOMAS ROBINSON

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HON. BOB GOODLATTE

of virginia

in the house of representatives

Wednesday, April 1, 1998

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the
finest Capitol Police officers we have known, Officer T.O. ``Tommy''
Robinson, whose life was tragically taken by cancer on March 23.
While Officer Robinson was a dedicated law enforcement officer and
public servant, his life was a testimony to others as well. He will be
deeply missed by all who had the great privilege of knowing him.
Tommy Robinson served his country in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1968,
and served honorably as a member of the Capitol Police for 27 years. He
leaves behind his wife of 20 years, Denise, as well as their 12-year-
old son Christopher. He was a man of steadfast faith, which he lived
out on a daily basis.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to insert into the Record a copy of the
eulogy given by our Capitol Police Chief Gary Abrecht in memory of
Tommy Robinson, which pays tribute to his life and testimony. Everyone
who came in contact with Officer Tommy Robinson is a better person for
having done so. I know that the entire House joins me in expressing our
deepest sympathies and prayers for Denise and Christopher.
I submit the following article.

In Memory, Officer T.O. ``Tommy'' Robinson

As I consider all the men and women of the US Capitol
Police, I'm struck by the particular strengths each
individual brings to the

[[Page E579]]

job. Some are outstanding in their enforcement of laws; some,
in their interviewing and interrogation of criminal suspects;
still others in their expertise in utilizing a specific
technique or method in the performance of their duties. While
Officer Robinson was a dedicated law enforcement
practitioner, his particular skill, and one critical to a
successful career in policing, was his memorable and
exceptional ability to interact positively with others.
As difficult as this is to achieve in life, Officer
Robinson seemed to have no enemies. Whenever his name is
mentioned, people consistently use phrases such as
``courteous, friendly, helpful, professional, and genuine.''
Officer Robinson's impact on the lives of his co-workers and
others he came into contact with is truly remarkable. He
truly epitomized the underlying ideals of law enforcement by
his dedication and cooperative spirit, and not only will his
pleasant demeanor be missed, but so also will his positive
influence on others.
Officer Robinson's twenty-seven year career with the US
Capitol Police included many different assignments. Most of
his service was divided between the Capitol Division, FRU,
and the House Division, where he leaves behind a host of
friends and co-workers. Officer Robinson was an original
member of the First Responder Unit of the Capitol
Division, and stories abound of his selflessness and
enthusiastic attitude. The First Responder Unit carries
out their duties while confronting the harshest weather
this area offers. Officer Robinson worked in these
conditions as a member of the FRU for ten (10) years, and
all reports indicate that he did so without complaint. In
fact, Officer Robinson was an example to others in his
dedication to duty, and strict adherence to the policies
and directives of his unit.
Some thirteen years of Officer Robinson's career were spent
with the House Division. Officer Robinson, consistent with
his actions wherever he worked, endeared himself to his House
Division co-workers and the staff and visitors, ensuring he
will be missed, but not forgotten.
One of the most well-known facts about Officer Robinson was
that he was a man of faith. His belief in GOD, and Jesus
Christ as Lord, overshadowed every aspect of his being, and
he made no secret of this important matter to all who knew
him. He was quick to point to this belief as the reason that
he carried himself as he did, with compassion, understanding
and forgiveness. He often remarked to others how he wished
more people on the Department shared a belief in GOD, and how
he felt this would resolve some of the issues that divided
not only his co-workers, but humanity in general. As an
example of faith-in-action, Officer Robinson established a
monthly prayer breakfast for benefit of his co-workers and
friends. Meeting every first Wednesday of the month at 0600
hours, these meetings were well-attended by a wide cross-
section of ranks from within the Department, and eventually
interested parties form outside the agency attended to
participate in prayer, reading of Scripture, and occasionally
even song. Officer Robinson ensured that all attendees were
welcomed openly, and had an opportunity to express themselves
freely. Even when Officer Robinson fell ill, he often
encouraged others to maintain their attendance at these
meetings, feeling, and stating, that his absence should not
be a reason for the discontinuation of the meetings, or the
failure of others to attend. After each of these Wednesday
morning meetings, Officer Robinson could be seen making his
way to groups of officers who had not attended the meeting,
offering them the ``goodies'' that had been brought to the
breakfast by himself and the other attendees. This vision of
Officer Robinson, walking up to groups of his friends and
offering food and a certain word of good-will is one that
many of us will reflect on with fondness in the coming days.
Officer Robinson was never swayed in his projection to us
all of a peace that passes understanding. In the midst of
confronting his illness, Officer Robinson was always upbeat
and positive, rarely making reference to his ailment, and
never complaining about it. He was truly remarkable in his
ability to make whoever he was talking to feel better, even
if that person was attempting to encourage Officer Robinson.
Because of his illness, Officer Robinson was unable to work
for several weeks during the past months. Whenever he was
contacted at home, he invariably spoke of his return to duty,
often apologizing to his supervisors for not being at
work. After his most lengthy absence, one of the first
things Officer Robinson did was to request an opportunity
to address his co-workers at roll call. This request was
quickly granted, and in his comments to his co-workers,
Officer Robinson not only thanked everyone for their
prayerful support of him, but insisted that everyone
should ensure that they maintained an adequate balance of
sick leave, because you never know when you may need it.
This type of comment most often comes from supervisors,
and is often met with varying degrees of belief or
acceptance, but when it came from Officer Robinson, it was
received with interest and respect, for this is the type
of response that Officer Robinson's character demanded and
generated.
As a further testimony to Officer Robinson's character,
soon after he had addressed his co-workers at roll call, he
approached his supervisors with a suggestion that typified
his selfless nature. With great humility, he asked if he
might be allowed to provide a meal for the co-workers he so
appreciated. With a great amount of awe, his request was
granted and soon afterwards, Officer Robinson enlisted the
services of a friend who catered the lunch-time meal for the
entire daywork section of the House Division. Not a small
undertaking, Officer Robinson ensured that all of the
approximately 66 individuals present for an average workday
were invited to the meal, and were able to enjoy not only his
company, but a superb meal as well. This generosity is
unheard of, and many officers remarked how humbled they were
by Officer Robinson's act of charity and kindness.
Officer Robinson's friends and co-workers will remember him
for these acts of generosity and compassion. His humble
nature and patient endurance serve as an example to us all of
how to face life and difficult circumstances with grace,
courage, and thoughtfulness. He will be missed not only for
his pleasant demeanor and positive attitude, but for the
tremendous influence for good that his mere presence infused
into the lives of everyone. One officer has remarked recently
that Officer Robinson was too good for this world. Perhaps we
can all learn from Officer Robinson how to live lives that
honor those around us. His legacy to the men and women of the
Capitol Police calls us to righteousness and servanthood,
hallmarks of not only a good police officer, but of a good
human being.

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