Pelosi Remarks Honoring Capitol Police Special Agents Noel Gleason and Shannon Croom

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks at the 6th Annual Capital Area Theodore Roosevelt Police Award Ceremony this afternoon. The Award is presented to local, state or federal law enforcement officers who have overcome injury, illness or disability and continue to deliver praiseworthy service to their respective departments.  Today's ceremony honored U.S. Capitol Police Special Agents Noel Gleason and Shannon Croom, who both serve in the Dignitary Protection Division and are assigned to protect Speaker Pelosi.  Below are the Speaker's remarks as prepared for delivery:

"During his two years as President of the Board of New York City Police Commissioners, Theodore Roosevelt said he ‘found it necessary over a hundred times to single out men for special mention because of some feat of heroism.'

"Today, we single out Officers Noel Gleason and Shannon Croom for their feats of heroism, and for their acts of stunning generosity.  As we recognize these officers today, we also note that the praises of our law enforcement officers too often go unsung.  As we honor Noel and Shannon, we also thank all police officers for their service and their sacrifice.

"I would like to thank Genna Rollins, and the entire membership of the Capital Area Chapter of the Theodore Roosevelt Association for the opportunity to honor Noel and Shannon today, and for keeping the work of President Roosevelt alive.  I would also like to thank Gordon Peterson for his work to keep Capital area residents informed and for joining us here today.  I would also like to acknowledge the Gleason and Croom families.  For your support of Noel and Shannon, you share in the glory of this award.  And I would like to thank Chief Phillip Morse for his leadership of the United States Capitol Police.  The entire USCP force is honored today, and the entire Capitol Hill family feels great pride.

"It has been a privilege of my public service that I work alongside Noel, Shannon, and the many dedicated members of the United States Capitol Police.  Their ordinary duties demand selflessness and bravery: they are expected to work long hours and put themselves at great risk for others.  But Noel and Shannon's selflessness and bravery exceeds even our highest expectations.  Noel has demonstrated great courage in the face of adversity.  And Shannon has shown extraordinary generosity.

"On behalf of all Members of Congress, I thank Officers Gleason and Croom for their feats of heroism, but also for their service day in and day out to our nation."