[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 51 (Wednesday, April 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING LOU MATARAZZO AND RON DEVITO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 14, 1999

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Lou Matarazzo, 
president of the New York City Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, and 
Ron Devito, 2nd vice-president of the New York City Patrolmen's 
Benevolent Association. They are being honored on April 15, 1999, at 
the Terrace in the Park in Flushing Meadows, NY, on the occasion of 
their retirement. Their leadership in the New York City Policy 
Department and as officers of the PBA is truly inspirational to all New 
Yorkers.
  Well known for his devotion to his fellow officers and for being 
ready, willing and able to help a colleague in need, under any 
circumstances. Matarazzo has combined a hands-on approach with a 
thorough knowledge of police and human affairs. He began his career in 
law enforcement as a rookie patrolman in 1964. In 1969, he was elected 
a PBA delegate from the 108 Precinct and held that position for 9 
years, serving on both the Negotiating and the ``Cop of the Month'' 
Committees. In 1977, he was elected the PBA Queens Trustee and soon 
began serving as chairman of the board of trustees and chairman of the 
Law Committee. In February 1991, he became the PBA Recording Secretary 
and in June 1991, he was elected treasurer. He has held his current 
position as PBA president since 1995.
  Matarazzo served as a member of the Police Pension Board, and is an 
expert in the field of disabilities. He is also a member of many civic 
and police groups, including the Columbia Association, of which he was 
a recent ``Man of the Year.'' He has been cited for excellence by the 
Police Honor Legion, the New York Shields, the Nassau County Shields 
and the Holy Name Society. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the 
Public Employees Conference in New York States, which has over one 
million members.
  A resident of Nassau County, Matarazzo has been married to his wife, 
Fran, for 36 years. Together they have 5 children and 6 grandchildren.
  A 42-years veteran police officer, Ron Devito has been a PBA delegate 
since 1972. He joined the force in 1957 and was assigned to the 103rd 
precinct where he worked in uniform for 20 years, before being elected 
to the Executive Board of the Policeman's Benevolent Association.
  In 1977, he was elected as the Financial Secretary for Queens County, 
Treasurer, and then 2nd Vice President of the PBA. During his time with 
the PBA, Devito has served on the Pension Board, the Tellers Committee; 
was an original member of the Committee on Political Action; was 
director of the ``Cop of the Month'' Committee and served as the 
Chairman of the Board of Directors Executive Board.
  Devito has been awarded one exceptional Merit Citation, two 
Meritorious Police Citations, four excellent Police Citations and the 
Nassau Shields ``Cop of the Month'' Award.
  A former sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, Devito is marred to the 
former Patricia Guinan. They have three children and three 
grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring these 
two outstanding men.

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