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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING IOWA LAW ENFORCEMENT AS IOWANS OF THE WEEK
______
HON. CYNTHIA AXNE
of iowa
in the house of representatives
Thursday, June 18, 2020
Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, National Police Week is a time for Iowans
and people across the U.S. to celebrate local law enforcement officers
who serve and protect our communities, and to honor the fallen heroes
who lost their lives in the line of duty. These brave men and women in
uniform have dedicated their lives to essential public service, and
some have given the ultimate sacrifice. The COVID-19 pandemic may delay
public ceremonies to recognize these individuals, but we can still take
time this week to remember those we have lost, share our support for
their loved ones, and thank those who continue to serve.
Law enforcement officers do far more than safeguard our lives and
property. Today, community policing involves officers working in
partnership with organizations and neighborhoods to create safer
spaces. Not only are police responding to calls for help and providing
support on the street, they're also in our schools teaching kids how to
make good choices so they can continue on a path toward success. There
is no shortage of stories of officers from my district going above and
beyond on the job.
In late March as the community closed up shop to slow the spread of
COVID-19, the Creston Police Department covered its front doors and
windows in a display of colorful paper hearts as a symbol of hope for
Iowans during this trying time.
Earlier this month Des Moines Police Sgt. Paul Parizek spent National
Teacher Appreciation Week visiting multiple educators and school
support staff at home and at work to thank them for their service to
our kids. During the same stretch of time, Sgt. Andrew Phipps from Des
Moines PD visited 90-year-old Earl, a fellow veteran, on his birthday
to share in the socially distanced celebration.
Waukee Police Department's Sgt. Hector Arias and Officer Gilchrist
have been lending a helping hand passing out free Waukee Community
School District Grab & Go Meals and devices to help students
participate in virtual learning from home.
Just before schools moved to distance learning this spring, Council
Bluffs Police Chief Tim Carmody visited Mrs. Nickerson's class of first
graders at Rue Elementary School to participate in the Read Across
America Program. Having recently welcomed Officer Deana Roth and
Officer Meghan Thomson to the force, Chief Carmody is now leading his
team in important efforts like educating the public on how to identify
and avoid door-to-door sales scams during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Our police officers' contributions to our community don't end at
handing out meals and spending time in the classroom. Faced with the
additional health risks presented by this pandemic, our police officers
continue to exhibit honor and bravery by serving their neighbors. They
go to work knowing they could come face-to-face with Coronavirus, and
that it is only one of the challenges they encounter while on duty.
Because of their dedication and sacrifice, it is my pleasure to honor
members of central and southwest Iowa's law enforcement community by
nominating them as our Iowans of the Week.
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