[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       MARIANO CONCEPCION CRUZ--OCTOBER 17, 1932-NOVEMBER 3, 1997

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, the island of Guam lost one of its most 
dedicated public servants last week on November 3. Mr. Mariano 
Concepcion Cruz, a former officer in the Guam Police Department was 
called to his eternal rest at the age of 65. He dedicated almost three 
decades to the people of Guam and the police department, enlisting as a 
patrolman in 1955 until his retirement in 1989.
  Dedication and professionalism is prominently exemplified by the 
illustrious career of Officer Cruz. However, he is best remembered for 
his honesty and fairness. He viewed the law as all inclusive; 
applicable to everyone, from the lowest ranking citizen to the 
President of the United States. Officer Cruz never discriminated when 
it came to the law. There were several occasions when he issued traffic 
tickets to then-Governor Ricardo Bordallo and several of Guam's 
legislators. Even his own brother was issued a citation.
  For his services and dedication, Officer Cruz was awarded several 
citations including the Commanding Officer's Citation in 1985 and the 
Commendation and Service Award from the Director of the Guam Police 
Department in 1986. The 13th Guam Legislature also passed a resolution 
commending him for ``exemplifying the qualities that are to be 
encouraged in a police officer.'' His passing is a great loss and his 
presence will surely be missed.
  The late Mariano Concepcion Cruz left a legacy of service and 
devotion to the island of Guam and its people. He is remembered by many 
as a mentor, and an adviser. On behalf of the people of Guam, I offer 
my condolences and join his widow, Rita Untalan Cruz, and their 
children, Priscilla and Alan in mourning the loss of a husband, a 
father, and fellow servant to the people of Guam.

                          ____________________