[Page H2805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO OFFICER BENITO CHAVEZ AND DEPUTY SHERIFF RYAN THOMPSON

  (Ms. SCHRIER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to two law 
enforcement officers in my district.
  Police Officer Benito Chavez was injured in the line of duty 
protecting our community in a senseless act of violence after a car 
chase last week. He has only been with the Kittitas Police Department 
for 8 months, so he has many years of service ahead of him. I am happy 
to know that he is home with his family and his wife, and I thank him 
for his service, wish him a speedy recovery, and hope that he will be 
back on the job soon.
  On a much sadder note, I, Kittitas County, and the whole Eighth 
District mourn the loss of a hero, Deputy Sheriff Ryan Thompson who 
lost his life in the line of duty on March 19. It is heartbreaking that 
Deputy Sheriff Thompson leaves behind his wife and three children. I 
send my deepest condolences to his family, his friends, and his 
colleagues who have been hit hard by this tragedy. We will be forever 
grateful for his service to our community and to our State.
  We all owe such a debt of gratitude to Officer Chavez, Deputy Sheriff 
Thompson, and all law enforcement professionals who put themselves at 
risk every day to keep our community safe.

                          ____________________