[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 11, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO OFFICER MARK OLIVERIO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 11, 1996

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Officer Mark Oliverio 
of the Sterling Heights Police Department on his receipt of the 1996 
DARE Officer of the Year Award for Michigan.
  Through the Drug Abuse and Resistance Education Program, Officer 
Oliverio has been a positive influence in the lives of hundreds of 
children in Sterling Heights, MI. For the last 5\1/2\ years, Officer 
Oliverio has taught 5th and 6th graders how to say ``no'' to the 
dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. In his own words, Officer Oliverio 
said ``I wanted to get in, and in my own way, fight the drug problem.'' 
Clearly, Officer Oliverio is achieving this goal.
  The DARE Officer of the Year Award recognizes Officer Oliverio's 
contributions to the community which extend beyond DARE instruction. 
Officer Oliverio still maintains a close relationship with the students 
of Havel Elementary School. He often ate lunch with students and 
attended extra curricular activities. In addition, he provided crisis 
counseling to students following a fatal bicycle accident. Havel 
Principal Robert Koenigsknecht said, ``He is always here for us.''
  Over the years, my staff and I have attended many successful DARE 
graduations under the able guidance of Officer Oliverio. His compassion 
and dedication to his students is unmistakable.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Officer 
Oliverio on behalf of the children whose lives he has touched and the 
community he has enriched.

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