National Police Week

Floor Speech

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Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Police Week.

As a Nation, we pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who have lost their lives while performing their duties. We honor their commitment, bravery, and selflessness in protecting and serving our communities.

The sacrifices made by these officers extend far beyond their own lives, affecting the lives of their spouses, children, and extended family members who will forever carry the weight of their loss.

We are thankful for the service they gave, the courage they exhibited, and the example they set. We honor their legacy and commitment to protecting and serving communities across the Nation.

As the crime rates seem to skyrocket across the Nation, including in my district, the territory of Guam, our police officers' duties become even more critical to every one of our jurisdictions. National Police Week gives us the chance to show our gratitude to those officers who continue to safeguard our streets and neighborhoods.

Pictured next to me are several officers from the Guam Police Department who serve as the backbone of our island's fight against crime. It is not uncommon for them to respond to calls with little to no information on what they are walking into, yet they do so with courage.

Additionally, our police department has been quite understaffed to combat the level of crime we are experiencing, yet they still manage to provide effective service and public safety. This is why we have submitted CPF requests for patrol cars, mobile commands, and other necessities to better equip our men and women in blue.

Our officers work long hours, put their lives on the line, and are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure our island residents are okay. Often this is a challenging job that takes a toll on one's physical and mental state, but I am here to ensure that they are recognized and appreciated for their service and sacrifice. Today and every day we honor their commitment, bravery, and selflessness in protecting and serving our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the men and women in blue. Paying Tribute to Dr. Ralph Guerrero Sablan

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Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to an influential figure from my district who has made extraordinary contributions to the field of medicine, the late Dr. Ralph Guerrero Sablan.

Dr. Sablan sadly left this Earth several weeks ago and was well known throughout Guam as a talented physician through his exceptional skills, compassionate care, and unwavering dedication to his patients.

Dr. Sablan became interested in medicine after experiencing a life- threatening situation early in life. His uncle, Dr. Ramon Sablan, who was the first Chamorro physician, saved his life. This incident instilled in him a lifelong passion for pursuing a career in medicine.

Upon completing medical school, Dr. Sablan joined the United States Navy. He was stationed at the U.S. Naval Hospital in San Diego and provided medical services at Camp Pendleton. He was soon transferred to the U.S. Naval Hospital on Guam.

From 1968 to 1969, Dr. Sablan was deployed to Vietnam where he served in Da Nang and Saigon. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Navy Unit Commendation. Upon request from Delegate Antonio B. Won Pat, Dr. Sablan was reassigned to U.S. Naval Hospital in Guam in 1970.

After 20 years of service, Dr. Sablan retired from Guam's U.S. Naval Hospital. In his last tour of duty, he served as the executive officer and chief of clinical services. Following that, he practiced an additional 30 years as the sole dermatologist for Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Micronesia.

As a skilled and distinguished physician on the island of Guam, Dr. Sablan has been a shining example of loyal devotion to duty and service.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor him today and pay tribute to his exemplary military service, leadership, and life's work to the people of Guam.

May he rest in peace.

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