[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 37 (Thursday, March 20, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONOR OF THE OFFICERS AND GRADUATES OF THE UNION CITY POLICE 
                      DEPARTMENT D.A.R.E. PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a special 
group of people, the officers and graduates of the Union City Police 
Department Drug Abuse Resistance Education [D.A.R.E.] Program, who have 
chosen a path which will provide a positive alternative to one of the 
greatest ills of today's society, drug abuse. These selfless 
individuals have distinguished themselves through their commitment to 
the future of the young people of Union City. A commencement ceremony 
for this year's graduates will be held at the Park Theater in Union 
City on March 25 and 26 for the public schools and March 27, 1997 for 
the parochial schools.
  This joyous occasion will be the culmination of an informative 17 
week training program during which these outstanding fifth grade 
students will be placed on the road to becoming vital members of their 
communities. When they first entered the D.A.R.E. Program as fourth 
graders, these exceptional young people had acquired the majority of 
their knowledge about drugs from either television or their peers. 
Subsequently, the educational experience they have gained has increased 
their personal determination to handle any obstacle they may face.
  The Union City Police Department's D.A.R.E. unit conducts a 
comprehensive program which reinforces the importance of self-esteem 
and the consequences of one's actions, and equips each participant will 
the skills to just say no to peer pressure when confronted with the 
temptation to use drugs. My hometown of Union City, located in Hudson 
County, NJ, has been recognized as the most densely populated city in 
our great Nation. The Union City D.A.R.E. Program is proud to instruct 
over 1,800 eager children per school year. These young people will 
undoubtedly become respected leaders of their community.
  An undertaking as meaningful as the Union City D.A.R.E. Program is 
never accomplished through the efforts of one individual. This 
particular endeavor has been the result of the unwavering dedication of 
the officers in charge of administering the program. Sergeant Alfonso 
Mendez, and Detectives Mike Ortega, Octavio Orozco, and Mike Garcia. 
These exceptional gentleman have greatly contributed to the well-being 
of Union City's young people and their families. Their unique 
contributions will long be remembered by generations of residents who 
will take part in this highly successful program.
  It is an honor to recognize the officers of the Union City Police 
Department's D.A.R.E. Program for 6 triumphant years of providing 
assistance to the children of my district. Their exceptional efforts 
will serve as a beacon of hope for countless young people faced with 
the temptation of drugs.

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