[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 17 (Wednesday, February 7, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S1070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO U.S. CAPITOL POLICE

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to the personnel of 
the U.S. Capitol Police. During my tenure in the Senate, I have 
witnessed these officers working in all types of adverse weather 
conditions during all seasons. The dedication and commitment these 
officers displayed during the ``Blizzard of '96'' is commendable and 
worthy of recognition. I thank the Sergeant of Arms for bringing these 
individuals to my attention.
  On Saturday, January 6, the Washington metropolitan area experienced 
a winter storm of record proportions. When the storm was over 2 days 
later, record snowfall blanketed the city. High winds, drifting snow, 
and severe windchill temperatures created a critical emergency 
situation.
  Whle roads throughout the area were impassable, the men and women of 
the U.S. Capitol Police were on duty providing vital public safety and 
police services within the Capitol complex.
  Officers who were on duty when the storm began elected to remain on 
duty for extended periods. Some worked for as long as 32 hours to 
ensure there were sufficient personnel to perform law enforcement and 
security operations.
  Several officers used their own funds to stay at local hotels so they 
could report back to duty on time to relieve fellow officers. Others, 
such as Lynne Williams, chose to sleep on the floor of the police 
station so she would be available for immediate recall.
  Many officers performed services above and beyond the call of duty. 
Officer Al Jones worked four consecutive shifts, using his own plow-
equipped vehicle to clear snow from parking lots, allowing for the 
movement of police vehicles.
  Officers Michael Poillucci, Terrell Brantley, Thomas Howard, Terry 
Cook, and Angelo Cimini used four-wheel drive police vehicles to 
transport House and Senate Members to critical official meetings.

  Officer Richard Rudd voluntarily came to work on his day off knowing 
he would be needed. Officer Michael Mulcahy used plumbing skills to 
repair a broken water pipe in the police K-9 facility. Sgt. Dennis 
Kitchen, Officer Peter Demas, Officer Ellen Howard, and Capt. Edward 
Bailor worked extended duty hours in the Operations Division to provide 
coordination with other congressional and Federal entities during the 
storm.
  Officers Ted Tholen, Kevin Weinkauf, James Whitt and freight handlers 
Bounteum Sysamout, Barry Pickett, Debora Riddick, Charles Wilson, 
Christopher Westmoreland, Richard Morris, and Thomas Cuthbertson of the 
Off-Site Delivery Center shoveled parking lots and security inspection 
areas to ensure police operations were not disrupted. Mr. Ken Meadows 
of the vehicle maintenance section worked additional duty hours to 
equip police vehicles with chains and respond to motorists in need of 
assistance. In addition, officers assisted countless citizens whose 
vehicles became stuck in the snow, responded to dozens of emergency 
calls for police assistance, and continued to diligently protect the 
Capitol and congressional office buildings.
  These are just some examples of the extraordinary effort by the U.S. 
Capitol Police officers to meet and overcome the unique challenges 
posed by this severe snow storm. Their actions reflect the highest 
standards of public service. We thank the U.S. Capitol Police for their 
continued good work.

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