January 27, 2010

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Senate passed a resolution introduced by Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign to honor the heroic actions of law enforcement personnel that were involved in the shooting at the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse on January 4, 2010.Court Security Officer Stanley Cooper gave his life that day and Deputy United States Marshal Richard J. “Joe” Gardner was wounded.

“Stanley Cooper is a hero not just for the sacrifice that he made protecting those in the federal courthouse that fateful day, but for his long history of dedicated public service,” Reid said. “We are all incredibly grateful to Stanley, Joe Gardner and all of the law enforcement personnel who were at the courthouse. I’m glad to know that Joe is recovering from his injuries, and I’m grateful that law enforcement did their jobs so well amidst tragedy.”“The law enforcement personnel that confronted the shooter acted heroically,” said Ensign.

“Stanley Cooper gave his life protecting the staff and visitors of the federal courthouse and his sacrifice will not be forgotten.Joe Gardner and the other law enforcement officers acted bravely, and I wish Joe a full and speedy recovery from his injuries. I am so proud of the collaborative effort that it took on all levels of law enforcement to ensure that there were no further casualties on that tragic day.”

The resolution applauds the Court Security Officers and members of the United States Marshals Service and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for their brave and courageous actions in responding to the assault at the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse.