Today, Congressman Carney (D-DE) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives in recognition of U.S. Capitol Police Officer and Delawarean Vernon J. Alston. His remarks, as prepared, are below.

Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to honor the life of Vernon J. Alston, a U.S. Capitol Police Officer for 20 years, and a constituent of mine. Sadly, Mr. Alston left us far too soon at the age of 44.

Mr. Alston came from a military family, and from a young age was drawn to service of our country. In 1991, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve. In 1996, he began working as a Capitol Police Officer, and spent the rest of his life protecting the Capitol and those who work here. Mr. Alston commuted each day to the Capitol from Magnolia Delaware.

I speak for every one of my colleagues and the staff who walk through these doors each day when I say to Mr. Alston: thank you. Mr. Alston put his life on the line for ours. We are in his debt.

Our hearts go out to Mr. Alston’s wife, Nicole, and his five children. Mr. Alston’s neighbors in Delaware, and his family here on Capitol Hill – share in their grief.

Mr. Alston leaves a legacy of service to country that serves as an inspiration to us all.

Thank you, Mr.Speaker , I yield back.