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[Page S4610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING WILLIAM MODEN
Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor an officer of the
Colorado State Patrol whose watch tragically came to an end earlier
this month when he was killed in the line of duty.
On June 14, 2019, Trooper William Moden was responding to an accident
that occurred on I-70 in Deer Trial, CO. He was doing what he did every
day--responding to an incident and giving a helping hand to Coloradans
in need. He was assisting the passengers of a vehicle who were involved
in a crash--one of whom was an 18-month-old child--when he was struck
by a passing vehicle.
Like too many of our Nation's law enforcement officers, Trooper Moden
gave his life while protecting and serving others.
William Moden was 37 years old and had served in the Colorado State
Patrol for 12 years. His fellow troopers remember him as someone whose
uniform was always perfect and whose boots were always polished. There
is no doubt for any of them that he was meant to serve and that he did
so with the utmost honor and dignity.
While Trooper Moden carried out his duties with seriousness, his
friends and loved ones remember him as someone with a tremendous sense
of humor. At a memorial service held last week, he was described as
having an infectious laugh--a laugh that was usually the loudest in the
room. Many at the service remembered the time he put on a dog's shock
collar just to see how it felt and to make others laugh. These are the
kinds of memories his loved ones will remember forever.
Just as he answered when his Coloradans called, his friends and
family say he was someone who could always be counted on. He was
reliable, dependable, and they often described him as their ``knight in
shining armor''--someone who is always there to provide care and
comfort. The chief of the Colorado State Patrol, Colonel Matt Packard,
described William Moden as ``the true personification of what it means
to be a Colorado State Trooper.''
At the memorial service last week, Trooper Moden was awarded the
title of ``Master Trooper''--a rank given only to those who show great
leadership and character. To those who knew him, William completely
exemplified these characteristics and is certainly deserving of this
high honor.
We know we can never pay the debt of gratitude owed to people like
William Moden, who risk their lives every day to ensure their
communities are safe. The best we can offer is to never forget and to
continue to celebrate the lives of those who sacrifice everything.
I know my Senate colleagues will join me in mourning the loss of
Trooper Moden and all those who have given their lives in defending the
thin blue line.
So for the second time this year, I come to the floor of the U.S.
Senate and remember the words of LTC Dave Grossman, who said,
``American law enforcement is the loyal and brave sheep dog always
standing watch for the wolf that lurks in the dark.''
I hope the outpouring of love and support that Trooper Moden's family
and friends have received in the past few weeks bring them a small bit
of comfort.
To Trooper Moden's family and loved ones, our State thanks you for
your service, sacrifice, and willingness to share William with the
people of Colorado.
Thank you.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Jersey.
____________________
