[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 48 (Thursday, April 28, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    TRIBUTE TO OFFICER SEAN McDONALD

                                 ______


                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 1994

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the memory of a 
heroic young American, Sean McDonald--husband, father, and new York 
City police officer, who was recently slain protecting the lives and 
property of our citizens.
  Sean was shot to death in my congressional district on the evening of 
March 15 as he sought to arrest two armed robbery suspects.
  In little more than a year into his service, Sean had already won the 
admiration and respect of his superiors and fellow officers. The 
veteran sergeant who trained Sean as a rookie police officer was quoted 
as saying, ``Cliches were all true about him. You'd tell him to do a 
job and he did it, never complained. A supervisor's dream. This kid was 
gold.''
  Sean's brother Andrew, also a policeman, was on duty that evening and 
was one of the first officers to reach the scene where Sean had been 
mortally wounded.
  The 26-year-old officer leaves his wife, Janet, and their two 
children, Sean Jr., 3, and a year-old daughter, Kelly.
  Ten thousand police officers from as far away as Boston stood in long 
silent rows on the streets outside the church where services were held 
for their slain brother. The mayor and other dignitaries eulogized 
Officer McDonald.
  It was a fitting tribute indeed. But what a tragic loss for that 
family, to our community, and indeed to the Nation when these brave men 
in blue lose their lives maintaining the peace and safety of our 
communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in offering our profound 
gratitude to Officer McDonald and to all those who serve in this noble 
occupation, and our deepest sympathies to the McDonald family and to 
all families who have lost a loved one in such tragic circumstances.

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