[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E879]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO JAMES J. ``J.J.'' BIELLO

                                 ______


                           HON. NEWT GINGRICH

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 1996

  Mr. GINGRICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to James J. 
``J.J.'' Biello, who is a commissioner of Cherokee County, in the Sixth 
District of Georgia.
  J.J. is a 15-year veteran of the Atlanta Police Department having 
served as both a uniform officer and detective in the narcotics and 
robbery divisions. On April 15, 1987, J.J. walked in on a robbery in 
progress and found an armed robber holding a terrified girl, a gun 
pointed at her head. Without concern for his own safety, J.J. rushed 
in, courageously drawing the gunfire to himself. In an act of supreme 
heroism and ultimate sacrifice, he saved the life of the girl but 
almost lost his own. In the days ahead, J.J.'s personal courage and 
faith in God allowed him to survive the near-fatal injury, but he was 
left paralyzed from the neck down, confined to a wheelchair with 
limited use of his hands.
  There are many ways to take the measure of a man. Some do it in feet 
and inches; some have him step on a scale; and others simply take a 
look at his bank account. It is a rare individual whose greatest 
measurements are of heart and courage. Such a man is J.J. Biello.
  J.J. has passed through some of life's most challenging crucibles and 
has come out not embittered, but emboldened. After his injury, J.J. 
took stock of his talents and abilities to decide how he could best 
serve his community. Rather than seeking help from others, once again 
he committed himself to tireless work on behalf of others, serving as a 
community volunteer, a civic leader and, following the 1990 election, a 
Cherokee County commissioner. Through challenges that would have caused 
a lesser man to give up, J.J. has demonstrated unshaken faith, 
unparalleled courage, and unwavering commitment to his family, church, 
and community.
  I rise today to make note of J.J.'s bravery and his selfless service 
to his community and his country. His courage, devotion, and dedication 
should be an inspiration to all Americans.

                          ____________________