WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Edward J. Markey (DMass.) today joined his colleagues in Congress to honor the heroism of two officers who died protecting the U.S. Capitol, one of whom hailed from Waltham. Officer John Gibson of Waltham, along with Officer Jacob Chestnut, died while fending off a gunman who burst into the Capitol building on July 24, 1998.

Senator Markey issued the following statement honoring Officer Gibson and all law enforcement who protect Americans everyday:

"Today is a day to remind ourselves that every officer we pass, whether it's in the hallways of the Capitol or the streets of Waltham, or anywhere in America, puts their life at risk every single day to keep us safe. Officer Gibson was a hero to all of us here in the Capitol building, and represents the best of our law enforcement community. I pay my deepest respects to Officer Gibson, Officer Chestnut, and to their families on this anniversary of their sacrifice."