[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 70 (Friday, May 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF SGT. HERIBERTO (EDDIE) CARATTINI: AMERICAN POLICE HALL OF 
                FAME LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 14, 1999

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sgt. Heriberto 
Carattini, a highly decorated 16-year police veteran, who is this 
year's American Police Hall of Fame Law Enforcement Officer of the 
Year.
  In the early morning hours of February 8, 1998, Sgt. Carattini 
heroically defused a dangerous situation in which a gunman had taken 
control of a precinct station, saving the lives of fellow officers.
  At about 2 a.m. Carattini arrived at Jersey City's West District 
station after volunteering to work a second consecutive shift. As he 
parked his squad car, he heard gunshots. Upon entering the lobby, 
Carattini saw a desk officer taking cover behind the front desk and 
heard the shift lieutenant yelling in pain.
  First, Carattini motioned the uninjured desk officer to safety, then 
made his way to the lieutenant, who was bleeding profusely from two 
bullet wounds, to the abdomen and thigh. Carattini ended the situation 
by shooting the gunman once in the chest. The lieutenant, who had been 
shot with his own gun, eventually recovered, while the gunman was 
charged with multiple felony counts.
  The recipient of more than 20 police awards, Carattini has 
distinguished himself as a top-flight detective. During the same month, 
his actions as a hostage negotiator were credited with saving seven 
lives. In addition, the Sergeant has been credited with over 5,000 
narcotics arrests.
  Sergeant Heriberto Carattini is a hero every day, just by performing 
the duties of a police officer. But the valor he exhibited in saving 
the lives of his fellow police officers last February 8, deserves the 
national recognition he has received by being honored by the American 
Police Hall of Fame. I am sure the entire Congress joins me in thanking 
Sergeant Carattini for his exceptional service.

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