National Police Week: Blue Lives Matter

Floor Speech

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Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank Sheriff Dave Reichert along with Sheriff Richard Nugent and Judge Ted Poe for their service to law enforcement in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, this Sunday marks the beginning of National Police Week, a time each year when we especially honor the service and sacrifice of our Nation's police officers. Tragically, the citizens of South Carolina's Second Congressional District lost two distinguished and courageous officers this year.

Officer Gregory Alia, a 7-year veteran of the City of Forest Acres Police Department, was beloved by his friends, family, and the entire community where he was born and raised. Gregory was an Eagle Scout, a graduate of Richland Northeast High School, and a graduate of the University of South Carolina.

In 2003, I was grateful to accompany him along with my son, Hunter, with Troop 100 of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Columbia to the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico, for a 100-mile trek. I knew he was a great fellow.

A hardworking, dedicated, and humble man, he was the embodiment of a hero every day of his life. As a new father, he loved his family, looked for the good in everyone, and was a selfless leader, one who brought people together.

His end of watch was September 30, 2015, when he was shot while pursuing a suspect.

I am grateful his wife, Kassy; parents, Dr. Richard and Alexis; aunt, Catherine Alia-Harding; and his infant son, Sal, are here in the gallery and community today.

Gregory's legacy lives on not only in the outpouring of love and appreciation from the community, but also in the actions of his family and friends.

I would like to especially recognize his wife, Kassy, for her selfless service in the days, weeks, and months following the loss of Gregory.

Less than a week--actually, even during the funeral service--after her husband was killed, the community was devastated by a 1,000-year rain, which caused widespread flooding.

Days after Gregory's funeral, Kassy volunteered at the Harvest Hope Food Bank. She also started Heroes in Blue, an organization dedicated to sharing and caring and providing courageous stories of police officers in South Carolina and across the country. She founded Gregory Alia Day on December 14, the date of what would have been their fourth anniversary.

Hundreds of community members and local businesses honored his memory by providing hot meals to 13 police stations in the Midlands of South Carolina.

Nearly a month after Gregory Alia was provided final honors at St. Joseph's Church, our community faced another tragedy when Officer Stacy Case lost her life in the line of duty.

Stacy, an Iraq war veteran, served the Army for 15 years, earning several commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Award, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal.

Originally from Michigan, Stacy joined the City of Columbia Police Department in 2011. She worked one of the most difficult beats of the department and regularly sought opportunities for professional development. Stacy was killed in an automobile accident when responding to a shots-fired call on November 7, 2015.

A highly respected member of the Columbia Police Department, her legacy will continue to live on. Indeed, last month the City of Columbia Police Department commissioned a new K-9 officer named Case in Stacy's memory. It is just one of the many tributes to her honor.

As we mark National Police Week, I remember those that we have lost and stand in support of the men and women who risk their lives every day to protect us.

God bless and protect our law enforcement and their devoted families.

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