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[Page S679]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING DEIDRE ``DEE DEE'' MENGEDOHT
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, it is my sad duty today to pay tribute
to a fallen Kentucky hero, Louisville Metro Police Department Detective
Deidre Mengedoht. Dee Dee, as her friends called her, was tragically
killed in the line of duty on Christmas Eve. Her family and our
community are left to mourn this painful loss and to recognize her
incredible service to Louisville.
A graduate of Eastern High School and the University of Louisville,
Detective Mengedoht chose to dedicate her life to the service of her
community. In 2011, she joined the LMPD's training academy. Since the
day she took her oath, Detective Mengedoht proved herself worthy of the
trust placed in her. With real love for the community under her
protection, she worked as a beat officer before earning the rank of
detective.
For 7 and a half years, Detective Mengedoht served the department and
the people of Louisville. She quickly gained the respect of her
colleagues, who recognized a passion for law enforcement and for
community engagement. According to those who had the privilege to know
her, Detective Mengedoht displayed the attributes of a true public
servant. Police Chief Steve Conrad said she ``would fight tirelessly to
seek justice for victims whose cases she was investigating.'' In her
important work for the city of Louisville, Detective Mengedoht would
always give more of herself than was asked.
While families throughout Kentucky and the Nation celebrated
Christmas Eve, Detective Mengedoht was at her post, protecting the
community. That afternoon, she conducted a traffic stop, a routine
procedure for any member of law enforcement. Tragedy struck without
warning as a semi-truck hit her police cruiser. Detective Mengedoht was
killed at the scene,
The heartbreaking incident left the community shaken. The LMPD lost a
critical member of its force, and Detective Mengedoht's family--
especially her 9-year-old son, Preston, will never be the same. Almost
immediately, expressions of condolences and support poured into the
city. Downtown, the city hall clock shone with a blue light, in honor
of the incredible sacrifice our men and women of law enforcement
undertake each and every day to protect the public. The Louisville
Metro Police Foundation also established a fund in Detective
Mengedoht's name to support her family.
At a funeral service filled with tributes to her character, bravery,
and integrity, the Kentucky State Police volunteered to take over the
shifts of her colleagues so they could attend. More than 3,000 law
enforcement officers traveled from around the Commonwealth and the
Nation to join the LMPD in saluting Detective Mengedoht. Even in the
rain, hundreds of Kentuckians lined the streets to pay their respects.
To Detective Mengedoht's family, including her brothers and sisters
at the LMPD and her parents, her sister, and Preston, I would like to
extend my sincere condolences. Her sacrifice bestows great honor onto
all those who wear the LMPD uniform. During this difficult time, Elaine
and I hope that the memories of Detective Mengedoht's life and her
selfless service can provide much-needed comfort. It is my privilege to
remember Detective Deidre Mengedoht's exemplary service to the people
of Louisville, and I ask that my Senate colleagues join me in honoring
this Kentucky hero.
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