[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E910]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DANNY MASTRO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Danny 
Mastro. It is a privilege to recognize someone like Sergeant Mastro who 
has consistently served the area while wearing his Los Angeles Police 
Department uniform as well as a volunteer in the community.
  Sergeant Mastro's enthusiasm and leadership have served as a catalyst 
to his colleagues on the force, as they have joined him in his many 
community efforts. When those closest to Danny are asked what drives 
him the reply is simple: He cares about his community, especially its 
children.
  In 1992, Sergeant Mastro created an antigang, antidrug billboard 
campaign directed at the youth of our community. Danny took this 
innovative idea and made it a reality. He raised several thousand 
dollars in donations to pay for printing costs and was able to get 
local companies to donate over 100 billboards. The billboards pictured 
Sergeant Mastro with a local hockey and football star and the slogan 
``Who Is Your Role Model Going to Be?'' It is my sincere hope that the 
children of Los Angeles will follow Danny's lead and choose people like 
him as their role models.
  Danny has played a vital role in numerous volunteer activities and 
community development programs. As part of an antigang unit, he 
counseled at-risk youths teaching them to focus their energy away from 
violence toward more productive and meaningful activities. He has 
galvanized support within the LAPD for several fund raising drives. He 
has also volunteered extensively in the Special Olympics, the Boy 
Scouts, and the local Head-Start Program. Indeed, the Sergeant has 
freely given of himself to his community.
  Danny's presence in the community and on the force is a sure 
indicator that the strong ties will continue to be forged between the 
people of Los Angeles and the LAPD. I salute him for his efforts.