Rep. Johnson honors fallen Pine Lake officer with resolution renaming Post Office

Congressman introduces bill with support from entire Georgia House delegation

LITHONIA, GA – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced today he has introduced a bipartisan resolution to rename the Pine Lake Post Office at Rockbridge Road and Spring Drive in honor of fallen police officer Francis Manuel Ortega.

The measure – H.R. 3274 – is supported by the entire Georgia House of Representatives congressional delegation. August 11 marks the 10-year anniversary of Officer Ortega’s tragic shooting death.

On August 11, 2005, Officer Ortega, 25, was shot and killed in front of the Pine Lake Post Office while conducting routine traffic stop. Officer Ortega was a part-time officer in the Pine Lake Police Department and a full-time officer at Georgia Regional Hospital. Officer Ortega was survived by his parents Francisco and Luz, his sister Joann, and his children Frankey and Kaylie.

“Officer Ortega made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life for the protection of his community,” said Johnson, who was a DeKalb County commissioner in 2005 when the incident occurred. “Officer Ortega’s commitment to justice and willingness to face danger when others turned away, his desire to stand up for what was right – not what was easy, and his compassion for those in need should be applauded, commended and recognized in perpetuity.”

The resolution now goes to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Once it is voted out of committee, it goes before the full House for a vote. Johnson said he hopes the measure will be approved by the end of the legislative year, which is Dec. 18.

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