Tribute in Memory of William Petry

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of Eastern Kentucky's fallen heroes, William Edward Petry, a 31- year law enforcement veteran who was 1 of 3 officers killed in the line of duty in Allen, Kentucky.

Petry served 14 years with the Prestonsburg Police Department and 15 years with Kentucky State Police, earning the prestigious Post 9 Trooper of the Year Award. Not long after his retirement, Petry was eager to continue his lifelong passion to serve and protect his community, leading him to the Floyd County Sheriff's Office where he dedicated his final two years of service. The best law enforcement officers will tell you that it isn't a job, it's a calling; and it was with great courage of conviction that Deputy Petry lived to protect the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and especially those in Floyd County.

President Theodore Roosevelt, who was a former commissioner of the New York City Police Department once said, ``No man is worth his salt, who is not ready at all times to risk his body, to risk his well-being, to risk his life in a great cause.'' On Thursday, June 30, 2022, Deputy Petry was the first officer to pay the ultimate sacrifice as he valiantly answered the call of duty to protect others in Floyd County.

His heroic death was the greatest display of love described in John 15:13, ``Greater love has no man than this: to lay down his life for his friends.''

In a Nation where police forces have been vilified in recent years by the actions of a few bad actors, may Deputy Petry's life be a reminder of the outstanding integrity and sacrifice that the thin blue line represents. We must continue to support our law enforcement officers across the United States, ensuring they are fully equipped, adequately prepared, and never at the mercy of evildoers.

Petry's entire life was dedicated to serving others, and not only with a police badge. He was also the current Fire Chief for the Martin Fire Department, a member of John W. Hall Mason Lodge No. 950 where he was Past Master, and a member of the Oleika Shriners Temple in Lexington, Kentucky.

The Commonwealth of Kentucky owes a great debt of gratitude for the life and service of Deputy William Petry. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sherry, their son Chase, daughter Courtney (Shane), their grandchildren, and the widespread band of brothers and sisters in uniform who served alongside Deputy Petry throughout his career.

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