[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 44 (Wednesday, April 20, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  TRIBUTE TO JOE CONSTANCE: EXTRAORDINARY PUBLIC SERVANT AND CHIEF OF 
                               DETECTIVES

                                 ______


                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 1994

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, as the House continues its 
debate this week on the Nation's crime bill and as we search for the 
best ways to mitigate violent crime, it is fitting that we take time to 
honor those who have distinguished themselves on the front lines of the 
war against crime.
  I rise today to pay special tribute to an extraordinary leader in New 
Jersey's law enforcement community, my friend, Trenton's deputy Chief 
of Police, Joe Constance. As Deputy Chief of Police in Trenton and as 
Chief of Detectives in the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Joe has 
risked all and put his life on the line so that others could be safe 
and protected. Over a 25-year tenure of service, Chief Constance has 
become a legend in our community and has earned the respect and 
admiration of fellow law enforcement officials throughout the State of 
New Jersey.
  A life-long resident of Trenton, Joe Constance attended local schools 
and served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1971, when he received an 
honorable discharge. Joe entered the Trenton Policy Training Academy in 
1968 and graduated with academic honors. After graduation, Joe was 
assigned to the first precinct as a patrolman. later, Joe served in a 
unique capacity as a police liaison enforcement officer assigned to 
Trenton Central High School. He was the first police officer to be 
assigned to a high school in New Jersey.
  Joe Constance went on to serve the police department and the Trenton 
community in many other roles, as supervisor of the burglary squad at 
the Criminal Investigation Bureau, as commanding officer of the 
homicide squad, and as commanding officer of the entire crimes section 
of the Criminal Investigation Bureau before assuming his present 
position.
  During his busy years in the police force, Joe still found time to 
pursue other activities, and obtained a bachelor's degree in criminal 
justice from Trenton State College and a master's degree in public 
administration from Rider College. Joe was also selected president of 
the Superior Officer's Association and serves as a certified police 
instructor.
  Joe's interest in helping his community extends beyond law 
enforcement. He was appointed to the Mercer County Board of Chosen 
Freeholders in February 1991, to fill an unexpired term, and in 
November 1992, was elected in his own right to serve the remaining 1-
year term on the Board. Joe ran again in November 1993, for the 
Freeholder Board and proved that he has the confidence and support of 
the voters, as super-cop and politician, when he easily won re-
election.
  I must add, Mr. Speaker, that I have had the good fortune of running 
on the same ticket as Freeholder Joe Constance. All across our country 
of Mercer, people are appreciative and approve of Joe's no-nonsense 
approach to politics; his candor; his intellect; his compassion for 
those who are less fortunate or in danger; and above all, his ability 
to get the job done.
  Mr. Speaker, Joe Constance personifies everything that is great about 
public service and, in particular, the law enforcement profession. Joe 
has a genuine love and concern for his community and has put his 
passion for justice into action. He is a tremendous asset to Trenton 
and Mercer County, and an example to the Nation.
  This weekend, Trenton's renowned Kent Athletic Association will pay 
tribute to Joe Constance for his many contributions to our community. 
It is my honor, my pleasure and indeed a privilege to have worked 
closely with Joe over the years and to offer him my most heartfelt 
appreciation for all that he has done for our greater Trenton 
community.

                          ____________________