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Families of slain Capitol officers offer thanks

Officer J.J. Chestnut and Detective John Gibson
Officer J.J. Chestnut and Detective John Gibson  
August 10, 1998
Web posted at: 8:37 p.m. EDT (0037 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The families of two slain Capitol Police officers released written statements Monday, thanking friends, family, law enforcement agencies and the nation for the many expressions of support they have received.

Officer J.J. Chestnut and Detective John Gibson were killed on duty July 24th when a gunman burst through security at the U.S. Capitol, opening fire.

Capitol Police media liaison Sgt. Dan Nichols read the two statements released by the families.

"The outpouring of kindness from the countless numbers of people who visited the church and lined the route of procession from Arlington National Cemetery was overwhelming and will be forever etched in our memories," read the statement released by Gibson's family.

"We thank them for their compassion. Our thanks to President and Mrs. Clinton, Vice President Gore, members of Congress, and other federal officials who have offered their support and condolences. John would have been honored by their attention and the outstanding manner in which they allowed him to be laid to rest."

Both families thanked many people for their love and support during their difficult, and public, ordeal.

"We would like to thank all who willingly accommodated our every request during our family's time of need. To everyone who sent us food, flowers, condolences, prayers and donations we thank you from the bottom of our hearts," read the statement released by Chestnut's wife. "The love that was felt from everyone during this tragedy has helped our family realize that we are not alone in dealing with the loss of my husband, Officer Jacob Joseph Chestnut."

Nichols also praised the media for sensitive coverage of the situation, which he said allowed the world to get a better picture of the two slain officers.

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