[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 86 (Friday, June 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1245-E1246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING OFFICER THOMAS A. PORTER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JOSEPH P. KENNEDY II

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 1998

  Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to a valiant peace officer who time and time again over his 
long career in law enforcement demonstrated bravery and self-sacrifice.
  Officer Thomas A. Porter, a native of the great Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts, showed from an early age his devotion to law 
enforcement--working as a teenage Junior Deputy to educate his school 
peers about the dangers of drug abuse. While working his way through 
the University of Alabama, Officer Porter received high honors in the 
fields of criminal justice, social work, and public relations, and 
served as an intern to a state supreme court judge and future U.S. 
Senator.
  But it was in his chosen field of law enforcement that Officer Porter 
most distinguished himself.
  His first assignment came with the Hyannisport Police Department on 
Cape Cod, where he served and protected every resident of the 
community, including the members of my family. During his tenure on the 
Hyannisport force, Officer Porter, in complete disregard for his own 
safety, broke down the door of a burning house and rescued an 82-year-
old man.
  Officer Porter left Cape Cod for Wintergreen, Virginia, Police 
Department, where he continued to compile an outstanding record, 
uncovering a notorious burglar ring and working on special assignment 
with the Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
  Officer Porter's law-enforcement career came to a tragic and 
premature close in 1992. While confronting a suspect in a breaking-and-
entering investigation, he was run over by the suspect's vehicle and 
suffered spinal cord injuries and several broken bones. He was 
paralyzed for almost two years but through rehabilitation has been able 
to regain partial mobility. Throughout the period of his convalescence, 
Officer Porter has served as an inspiration to fellow disabled 
officers.
  In recognition of his selfless duty and willingness--at any moment of 
danger--to give his last full measure of devotion, the National Trust 
of Chiefs of Police Association voted earlier this year to award 
Officer Porter the Legion of Honor Medal as well as the Silver Star for 
Bravery.

[[Page E1246]]

  I had the privilege today of presenting these honors to Officer 
Porter during a ceremony in my office. His career in law enforcement 
stands as a model to all who aspire to public service, and his courage 
in the face of catastrophic injury serves as an inspiration to every 
American.

                          ____________________