Moment of Silence in Remembrance of Jacques ``jay'' Rougeau

Floor Speech

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Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Jacques ``Jay'' Rougeau, a Pennsylvania State trooper who died in the line of duty just this past Saturday, June 17.

Trooper Rougeau was shot and fatally injured while responding to a call in Juniata, Pennsylvania. Trooper Rougeau was only 29 years old.

Now, Trooper Rougeau is a native of Corry, Pennsylvania, which is in my district where, today, he remains on the minds of so many family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones.

According to reports, a man had arrived at Troop G, Lewistown Station armed with a rifle and fired at patrol vehicles in the parking lot and shot one officer. After a search, troopers located the shooter where they exchanged gunfire. Both the shooter and Trooper Rougeau were shot and killed. Those who knew Trooper Rougeau say he knew from a young age that he always wanted to be a police officer. After graduating from Corry Area High School in 2012, he first interned with the city of Corry Police Department in 2014.

During the internship, Rougeau said his ultimate goal was to become a Pennsylvania State trooper. He enlisted in 2020 and started with Troop G just 3 months ago. Trooper Rougeau is the 104th member of the Pennsylvania State Police to make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

If we can, take a look at this picture. This is somebody that is in the prime of their life, just starting off, in the position that he so coveted being a part of this group. He wanted to be a police officer. He wanted to serve Pennsylvania's citizens by being a Pennsylvania State policeman.

Unfortunately, he is gone. He leaves behind a wife, Chloe, who I am told was his high school sweetheart. I know that he has made the city of Corry and the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania proud for so bravely serving in law enforcement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank him for his service, and offer a moment of silence in honor of his memory. I ask if we could all please think for a moment about this young man, think about the unlived part of his life, and all who serve in the line of duty.

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Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I wish his family could be here to see that the entire gallery just stood up and, even though you did not know Trooper Rougeau, you stood up to honor what he did in his line of duty.

This is a tragic loss not only for the community of Corry, but the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This morning, I am praying for the family, friends, and colleagues of Trooper Rougeau, another person in law enforcement who died while responding to help others in danger.

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