[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF THE HEROISM DISPLAYED BY SAN ANTONIO PARK RANGER 
                               PAUL PYTEL

                                 ______


                           HON. FRANK TEJEDA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 1994

  Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of 
an exemplary young man from my hometown of San Antonio, a man who 
dedicated his life to helping others and gave his life in the line of 
duty. Only days after his 29th birthday, park ranger Paul Pytel lost 
his life in pursuit of a shooting suspect.
  This tragedy touched all of us. His family has suffered an 
incalculable loss; his fellow rangers were left in a state of shock. 
Ranger Pytel is the first San Antonio park ranger to lose his life in 
the line of duty. The story is tragic, yet it bespeaks of heroism: an 
apparent gang fight led to gunfire and calls to police. Park rangers 
near the crime scene moved into action. As officers gave chase to 
suspects, ranger Pytel bravely proceeded to investigate a wooded area 
near a steep creek bed. His pursuit of the suspects took him into the 
water; heroic efforts to save his life were futile.
  Ranger Pytel, A 9-year veteran of the force, had law enforcement in 
his bones. His brother, who described Paul as private, quiet and 
loving, was a member of the park rangers honor guard, a field training 
officer and a bike patrol officer. Paul Pytel was entering the prime of 
his life; he had plans for the future. His willingness to translate his 
concern for others into action is his legacy.
  We in Congress should take a moment to remember the sacrifice of park 
ranger Paul Pytel and his family, and we should recognize the daily 
service and sacrifice performed by peace officers at all levels of 
government.

                          ____________________