Rep. Johnson’s resolution renaming Post Office for fallen Pine Lake officer passes House

Congressman’s bill has support from entire Georgia House delegation; Resolution now goes to Senate for approval

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Johnson announced today that the bipartisan resolution to rename the Pine Lake Post Office at Rockbridge Road and Spring Drive in honor of fallen police officer Francis Manuel Ortega passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

It now goes to the Senate for a vote before heading to President Obama’s desk for his signature.  | Watch Rep. Johnson’s floor speech HERE | The measure – H.R. 3274 – is supported by the entire Georgia House of Representatives congressional delegation.

On August 11, 2005, Officer Ortega, 25, was shot and killed in front of the Pine Lake Post Office while conducting a routine traffic stop. Officer Ortega was a part-time officer of the Pine Lake Police Department and a full-time officer at Georgia Regional Hospital.  Officer Ortega was survived by his parents Francisco and Luz, his sister Joann, and his children Frankey and Kaylie.

“Officer Ortega made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life for the protection of his community,” said Johnson, who was a DeKalb County commissioner in 2005 when the incident occurred. “Officer Ortega’s commitment to justice and willingness to face danger when others turned away, his desire to stand up for what was right – not what was easy, and his compassion for those in need should be applauded, commended and recognized in perpetuity.”

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