The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING SERGEANT PETER KOEPP, SERGEANT MARK LAINO, OFFICER CHRISTOPHER WATKINS, AND OFFICER BOBBY MEIS UPON RECEIVING THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL
OF BRAVERY
______
HON. ELAINE G. LURIA
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Friday, July 16, 2021
Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Peter Koepp, Sergeant Mark Laino, Officer Christopher Watkins, and Officer Bobby Meis of the Virginia Beach Police Department upon receiving the Congressional Medal of Bravery for their heroic actions on May 31, 2019.
Like many in our community and around the nation, I was shocked and horrified to hear about the active shooter situation in Virginia Beach's municipal building that day. The four officers arrived separately at the hectic scene before converging toward the sound of gunfire. Together, they approached the assailant and bravely exchanged gunfire, during which Sergeant Koepp was struck by a bullet, receiving blunt trauma to his abdomen. The officers' positioning allowed city employees and citizens to evacuate the premises until SWAT officers arrived. Sadly, 12 individuals in the building lost their lives that day. Still, the heroism that Officers Koepp, Laino, Watkins, and Meis exhibited may have saved countless more.
Knowing that they would enter a high-risk situation, each of these officers swiftly responded to the call to action. Our community is eternally grateful for their courage, and it is my privilege to celebrate these heroes as they receive this well-deserved honor.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 125
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up