[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 53 (Thursday, May 5, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       TRIBUTE TO LOUIS McLENDON

                                 ______


                         HON. THOMAS J. MANTON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 1994

  Mr. MANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 47-year-old 
retired New York City correction officer, Louis McLendon. Mr, McLendon, 
who had never used his gun in his career as a correction officer at the 
Rikers Island prison facility, demonstrated remarkable bravery, on New 
Year's Eve, 1993, when he stood up against five well-armed youths in 
the process of robbing the Montego Bay clothing store in Jamaica, 
Queens.
  Mr. McLendon, armed only with a six-shot revolver, working the last 
night of the year as a plainclothes guard in the popular store, quickly 
shot and killed the gang leader, who announced the hold-up brandishing 
a 9-millimeter pistol. That young man was only 21 years old. In the gun 
fight that followed, Mr. McLendon was shot six times, leaving nine 
bullet wounds.
  As all of this was going on, the owner of the store, Sasson Biton, 
was beaten and shot in the head, in a back room, by one of the 
assailants. Fortunately, both Mr. Biton and Mr. McLendon survived the 
attack. Fortunately, for everybody else in the store that evening, 
Louis McLendon was there to protect them.
  Mr. Speaker, this is an example of a fine, brave man standing up 
against impossible odds, and putting the safety of others before his 
own. It is sad and frustrating that we must live in a society where 
such selfless `take charge' action is necessary, however, with the help 
of the bravery and strength of citizens like Mr. McLendon, we are given 
a fighting chance to resolve these issues and take back our streets. It 
is frightening to think how many innocent lives might have been taken 
had it not been for Louis McLendon. I know my colleagues join me in 
commending Louis McLendon for his bravery and service to his community.