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Sen. Orrin G. Hatch

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 355, which was submitted earlier today.

Sen. Orrin G. Hatch

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table.

Sen. Orrin G. Hatch

Madam President, on January 4, 2012, Special Agent Francom of the Ogden, Utah Police Department, serving on the Weber-Morgan Narcotics Strike Force, was fatally wounded while defending his fellow officers as they attempted to serve a search warrant on an Ogden resident.

I wish to express my deepest sympathies and condolences to Special Agent Francom's family--especially his wife and his two daughters--and the many friends he had throughout the whole community.

Serving as a police officer was a lifelong dream for Special Agent Francom, one that was realized in 2004 when he joined the Ogden City Police Department. He served with honor and distinction and was trusted and beloved by his fellow officers.

He was a fine man, a good father, a good husband and a model citizen and public servant.

On January 11, a crowd of 4,000 people--about half of them uniformed officers from all over Utah and elsewhere--attended his funeral.

Five of Special Agent Francom's fellow officers on the strike force--five of them--including Officers Michael Rounkles, Kasey Burrell, and Shawn Grogan of the Ogden Police Department; Sergeant Nate Hutchinson of the Weber County Sheriff's Office; and Officer Jason Vanderwarf of the Roy Police Department, were also wounded in the shooting.

Officer Burrell remains hospitalized as he recovers from the serious injuries he sustained in the shooting.

Along with everyone in Utah, I am deeply saddened by this turn of events.

At the same time, we are humbled, as this tragedy reminds us all of the bravery and dedication of the women and men of law enforcement who risk their lives every day to keep our communities and their communities safe.

As I have served the people of Utah over the years, I have had a chance to meet and get to know many members of our law enforcement community. Without question, they are among the most honorable and courageous people any of us could ever hope to meet. I am honored every time I have an opportunity just to be in their presence.

Today, I was joined by Senator Lee in submitting this resolution recognizing the sacrifice of Special Agent Francom, extending the Senate's condolences to his family and friends, expressing our good wishes to his fellow officers, and hoping they will all have a full and speedy recovery, and, of course, recognizing the remarkable courage and honor displayed by the men and women of law enforcement.

I wish to thank my colleagues for their support of this resolution, which I know will mean a lot to Officer Francom's family, his fellow officers, and their community.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.