Republican Whip Steve Scalise credits surviving being shot to God, his doctors and to brave Capitol Hill police officers who engaged his assailant during congressional baseball practice last summer.
"The first place I want to go to thank true angels along the way starts with the United States Capitol Police. When I was elected Majority Whip -- as you know the elected leadership has a security detail. And if anybody ever wondered why we're assigned security detail, I surely found out that day. And let me tell you, I want to specifically mention Crystal Griner and David Bailey. Crystal and David were assigned to my security detail that morning. And day in and day out they're part of our family. Jennifer and I truly do treat them as part of our family because they are with us everywhere we go," Scalise said during his triumphant return to Congress late last year.
"Let me tell you, if they didn't act so quickly -- and even after being shot both themselves, continued to engage the shooter and ultimately got him down, which not only saved my life, but saved the life of a lot of other people that are here in this chamber today," he continued.
He's regularly referred to Bailey and Griner as his heroes and today, he honored them with the John J. Duffy Memorial Achievement Award for their service and courage.
Named for our first President, John J. Duffy of Davenport, Iowa, founder of Per Mar Security Services, the "Duffy" is the Council’s highest honor. The award is presented every other year to an NCISS regular member, “who by their specific deeds and accomplishments has exhibited the highest standards of conduct and service to the private investigation and security service industries.”
I presented my two heroes – David Bailey and Crystal Griner – with the Duffy Award for the highest standards of conduct. pic.twitter.com/DN1T67x61V
— Rep. Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) March 20, 2018