Representative Angie Craig Introduces Legislation to Rename Local Post Office After Fallen South St. Paul Police Officer

WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, U.S. Representative Angie Craig and U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would rename the South St. Paul Post Office in honor of fallen South St. Paul Officer Leo Pavlak. After only four months on the force, Officer Pavlak was killed during a robbery on August 30, 1933. He is the only South St. Paul Officer to have been killed in the line of duty.

"89 years ago, Officer Pavlak gave his life in service to his community – and to this day, his family continues to honor his memory with service to their own communities. Two of his grandsons became police officers and his great-grandson is currently enrolled in a law enforcement program with hopes of becoming a police officer," said Representative Craig. "By renaming the South St. Paul Post Office the Officer Leo Pavlak Post Office, we remember and honor the dedication and sacrifice of Officer Pavlak and his entire family."

"Officer Pavlak lost his life protecting his community almost nine decades ago, but his legacy endures through his grandchildren and great-grandson who have followed in his footsteps as members of local and federal law enforcement," said Senator Klobuchar. "Renaming the South St. Paul Post Office in his memory is a fitting tribute to the Pavlak family's service and commitment to keeping Minnesotans safe."

"To this day, Officer Leo Pavlak remains the only South St. Paul officer to have been killed in the line of duty," said Senator Smith. "In renaming the South St. Paul Post office in his honor, we recognize Officer Pavlak's sacrifice as well as his family's continued commitment to public service."

Craig, Klobuchar and Smith were joined in introducing this legislation by their colleagues in the Minnesota delegation – Representatives Dean Phillips, Betty McCollum, Ilhan Omar, Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber. The legislation is also supported by the Pavlak family and local leaders in South St. Paul.

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