[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 66 (Thursday, May 21, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H3736-H3737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN MICHAEL X. HARRINGTON

  Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
an outstanding law enforcement official who the public could always 
count on. Port Authority Police Captain Michael X. Harrington holds a 
record that would make even Cal Ripken envious. While the Baltimore 
Orioles shortstop was honored for playing 16 years without calling in 
sick, he has a long way to go to match Captain Harrington.
  On May 15, Captain Michael Harrington retired from the Port Authority 
of New York and New Jersey after 43 years of service without ever 
missing a day of work.
  When Captain Harrington began walking a beat for the Port Authority, 
Cal Ripken was not even born, the Dodgers were in Brooklyn, and there 
were just 48 States.
  During his career, Captain Harrington outlasted eight U.S. 
Presidents, the Soviet Union, the Cold War and numerous fads, from 
coonskin caps to mood rings.
  Mr. Speaker, the fact that Captain Harrington never missed a day's 
work is even more remarkable when we consider some of the obstacles he 
had to overcome. He found his way to work through blizzards, floods, 
hurricanes, blackouts and even riots. He did not let colds, or fevers 
above 102, injuries he sustained on the job, or even a broken wrist 
prevent him from doing his duty.

[[Page H3737]]

  Throughout his distinguished career, Michael Harrington rose from 
patrolman to the rank of captain. Along the way he received numerous 
awards and commendations.
  Through the years, he was commanding officer of a number of Port 
Authority transportation facilities, including the Lincoln Tunnel, the 
Holland Tunnel, the George Washington Bridge, Newark International 
Airport, and PATH.
  At one point, he was in the incredibly demanding role of serving as 
commander of the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, as well as the George 
Washington Bridge, all at the same time.

                              {time}  2350

  When we ask Captain Harrington who instilled in him the importance of 
hard work, he will tell us it was his father. Cornelius Harrington 
worked for more than 40 years as an operating engineer for Standard Oil 
of New Jersey; and, like his son, he never missed a day of work.
  There is far more behind Captain Harrington's exceptional career than 
just an example of his father's setting. His uncompromising devotion to 
his job is a tribute to his own sense of duty to the public and the 
unwavering support of his wife of more than 40 years, Illene.
  Mr. Speaker, I am sure I speak for all Members of the House when I 
thank Captain Harrington for his 4 decades of service to the community 
and wish him all the best in his retirement years. I cannot think of 
anyone who is more deserving of a relaxing and an enjoyable retirement.

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