The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF DEPUTY ANDREW PEERY
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HON. DOUG LAMBORN
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Friday, August 12, 2022
Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Congressman Kevin McCarthy and myself, to honor the life of El Paso County Sheriff Deputy Andrew Peery. Deputy Peery was tragically killed in the line of duty on August 7, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Andrew Peery was born in Frazier Park, California, on December 12, 1982, to parents David and Sandy Peery. He graduated from Frazier Mountain High School in 2001.
After graduating, Andrew joined the United States Army. He became part of the prestigious 173rd Airborne Unit based out of Vicenza, Italy, where he served as an 11B Infantryman. Andrew and his platoon were some of the first boots on the ground during the airborne assault into Iraq in March of 2003. He later served with the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado.
While in the Army, Andrew held a top-secret clearance, developing and executing over 600 operations to maintain foreign relations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Andrew Peery served three tours of duty in Iraq. During the first two tours, he was a sniper.
A decorated veteran, Andrew was awarded seven Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, and a Meritorious Service Medal for his service. Andrew medically retired from the Army as a Staff Sergeant in 2013.
Andrew then returned to Bakersfield, California, to work as a police officer and served in the Gang Unit for the Bakersfield Police Department from 2013 until 2016. While at the Bakersfield Police Department, Andrew received a commendation for his life-saving efforts helping a stabbing victim. He also volunteered over 100 hours of his time for the California Special Olympics.
In November of 2016, Andrew was hired on with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office as a lateral transfer from the Bakersfield Police Department. He was assigned to the midnight shift on patrol and later transferred to the Tactical Support Unit, becoming a part of the auxiliary SWAT team. After becoming a full-time SWAT Team member, Deputy Peery served as the Sniper Team Leader. Additionally, Andrew was assigned to the Gang Unit, served as a Field Training Officer, a Firearms Instructor, and a Close Quarter Battle Instructor.
During his time at the El Paso County Sheriffs Office, Andrew was awarded numerous commendations, including five letters of appreciation, three Coins of Excellence, two Distinguished Service Awards, two Commander Citations, and a Leadership Award.
Andrew met his wife, Meghan, a schoolteacher, in November of 2004 in Colorado Springs. They were married in July of 2005. Together, they have two children, Matthew and Amy. Andrew was passionate about mountain biking, music, and spending time with his family and friends. According to his wife Meghan, ``Andrew was an adrenaline junky.'' He loved watching his son, Matthew, run cross-country and track and supported Amy as she pursued gymnastics. Matthew shares a love of mountain biking with his father. Andrew deeply loved his family, his community, and our great nation.
Andrew is survived by the love of his life, his wife Meghan; his children Matthew and Amy; his mother Sandy Peery; his siblings Matthew Peery (Chelsea), Mark Peery (Gabriela), Donovan Peery, and Sarah
(Peery) Beagley (Brad); and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother Davey Peery; and his father, David, who served over 20 years with the Los Angeles Police Department and later as an investigator with the Kern County District Attorney's Office.
Andrew was a great asset to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and the Bakersfield Police Department and showed his commitment to the department with enthusiasm and dedication. He is remembered as a man of principle and honor who served both his community and his country heroically.
Madam Speaker, we ask our colleagues in Congress to join us in mourning the loss of El Paso County Sheriff Deputy Andrew Peery and in standing with the Thin Blue Line.
Deputy Andrew Peery, No. 16120, end of watch, August 7, 2022.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 135(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 135(2)
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