[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 A STORY OF INSPIRATION--A MAN AND HIS COMMUNITY IN THE BATTLE AGAINST 
                                 CRIME

                                 ______


                           HON. STEPHEN HORN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 11, 1994

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor both a brave man and a 
strong community--examples of how determination and spirit can work 
together to overcome crime.
  On August 6, 1993, in my district in Long Beach, CA, Officer Abel 
Dominguez, a 7-year veteran of that city's police department, had just 
made a routine traffic stop. He was sitting in his patrol car, busy 
checking out warrants on a suspect, when suddenly a gunman attacked 
him.
  The gunshots left him in a coma, severely wounded in the head, chest, 
and left arm. His doctors believed he would need to remain hospitalized 
at least until Christmas. But Officer Dominguez fought back. He went 
home the first of November and was back at a desk job at the Long Beach 
Police Department's North Station in January.
  Though Officer Dominguez still experiences weakness in his left arm 
and hand, wears a brace and uses a cane, and is resigned to permanent 
vision damage, he has plans for a full career as a police officer. He 
intends to go into detective work once his recovery is complete.

  Officer Dominguez's determination and hard work toward overcoming a 
tragedy are an inspiration matched only by the efforts of his family 
and community. Officer Dominguez's wife, Cindy, who has known him since 
their junior high school days, has been a constant partner for her 
husband during his rehabilitation. Cindy, an investment specialist, is 
able to work at home thanks to her employer, Los Angeles' Northern 
Trust Bank, which equipped her with a home computer so she could 
telecommute during her husband's recovery.
  Shortly after Officer Dominguez was gunned down, Tom Rasada, a 
contractor and Neighborhood Watch captain, knocked on the Dominguez's 
door, asking if he could help. Soon, he and dozens of other volunteers 
he had recruited built a wheelchair-accessible bedroom and bath at the 
Dominguez home. Other community members sent prayers and contributions 
to cover medical bills. And the students at Long Beach's Jordan High 
School, Officer Dominguez's alma mater, gave him a place of honor 
during their homecoming football game.
  Residents living in the area of the shooting helped police make 
arrests within hours of the attack on Dominguez. Next month, two men 
will go on trial for attempted murder.
  The happy ending to this story is due to the courage and 
steadfastness of Officer Dominguez, his family, and his neighbors. It 
serves as an example for us all--first, of the personal dedication to 
overcome injury; second, of the power of citizens' willingness to do 
what is right; and most importantly, how community effort can work 
effectively in the battle against crime. I ask you to join with me in 
saluting Officer Dominguez, his wife, Cindy, and the citizens of Long 
Beach, CA.

                          ____________________