February 7, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 24 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E143-E144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF TROOPER LUCAS B. DOWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 7, 2019

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, the Commonwealth of Virginia mourns the 
loss of Trooper Lucas B. Dowell of the Virginia State Police. Trooper 
Dowell was killed in the line of duty on February 4, 2019, at the age 
of 28. His life, although too short, showed a commitment to the 
rigorous calling of law enforcement.
  Trooper Dowell was a native of Chilhowie in Smyth County. He 
participated in athletics during his days at Chilhowie High School, 
playing football and baseball. After graduating in 2009, he pursued an 
interest in law enforcement. At Radford University, he earned a 
bachelor's degree in criminal justice. He graduated from the Virginia 
State Police's 122nd Basic Session in November 2014 and subsequently 
served in its Appomattox Division. While executing a search warrant in 
Cumberland County as part of a Virginia State Police Tactical Team, a 
suspect opened fire and Trooper Dowell was hit. He later died at 
Southside Community Hospital in Farmville.
  Law enforcement can be a demanding vocation, requiring sacrifices 
that may include, as the example of Trooper Dowell shows, the ultimate 
sacrifice, one's life. This is a loss for the Commonwealth of Virginia, 
Smyth County, and the Town of Chilhowie. I mourn his loss, yet I am 
grateful that he and the other men

[[Page E144]]

and women of law enforcement step forward to protect us knowing full 
well the risks they face. Trooper Dowell's survivors include his 
parents, Mike and Rebecca, and his sister, Erica. His family is in my 
prayers.

                          ____________________