[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 59 (Thursday, May 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     THE HAMMOND POLICE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 1997

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, It gives me great pleasure to announce 
that the Hammond Police Department will represent northwest Indiana in 
the Police Memorial Week taking place in our Nation's Capital from May 
11 to 16, 1997. The Hammond police motorcycle brigade, comprised mainly 
of traffic enforcement officers, will leave northwest Indiana tomorrow 
for their day long journey to Washington, DC.
  The Hammond Police Department, which conducts its own memorial 
ceremony for its fallen officers every year, will be the first police 
department in northwest Indiana to participate in the Police Memorial 
Week. On May 11, the Hammond police officers will gather with other 
motorcycle officers from across the country at Robert F. Kennedy 
Stadium to attend the Law Ride Motorcycle Parade, which will include a 
procession to Judiciary Square. During the week, the officers will be 
given the chance to attend seminars, candlelight vigils, and the main 
memorial on May 16 at Judiciary Square. The Hammond motorcycle brigade, 
which has expressed interest in participating in this memorial in past 
years, took the initiative in earning the necessary funds by conducting 
a raffle and securing donations from Hammond businesses. Any remaining 
money will be generously donated to the Indiana Surviving Families 
Fund, which helps families who have lost a police officer in the line 
of duty.
  Those Hammond police officers who will ride in the brigade tomorrow 
include: Lt. John Pohl, Sg. Dennis Serafin, Cpl. Anthony Sonaty, Cpl. 
Charles Legg, Cpl. Danny Small, Cpl. George Gavrilos, Cpl. Kerry 
Newman, Officer Bret Plemons, and Officer Richard Tumidalsky. In 
addition, Chief of Hammond Police, Fred Behrens, will be joining the 
aforementioned police officers in Washington on Wednesday, May 14.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the 
Hammond police brigade to our Nation's Capital as they remember police 
officers who have been killed in the line of duty. I would also like to 
take this opportunity to commend the Hammond police, as well as police 
officers across our Nation, on the dedication and courage they 
demonstrate daily in working to keep our communities safe.

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