[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 7 (Tuesday, February 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E75]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   TRIBUTE TO OFFICER WILLIAM JIMENO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2002

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to call to your attention the 
story of an American hero, Officer William Jimeno of the Port Authority 
Police Department. Officer Jimeno of Clifton, New Jersey miraculously 
survived being buried for fourteen hours in the rubble of the World 
Trade Center after heroically responding to the scene on the morning of 
September 11, 2001.
  September 11, 2001 has emblazoned so many unforgettable images in our 
minds. Perhaps none is more vivid, however, then that of courageous men 
and women in uniform working so valiantly to save the lives of others. 
It is therefore only fitting that Officer Jimeno be honored, in this, 
the permanent record of the greatest freely elected body on earth.
  A member of the Port Authority Police Department for only nine-months 
at the time of the attack, Officer Jimeno and two fellow officers 
immediately rushed from the Port Authority Bus Terminal to the Twin 
Towers after the first plane hit. Soon joined by two additional 
officers, Will and his colleagues secured axes, air packs, and helmets 
to help evacuate the buildings.
  The officers were in the lobby of Tower Two on their way back to 
Tower One when an indescribable noise pierced through the air. Tower 
Two was coming down.
  Officer Jimeno found himself and four others from the PAPD, Sergeant 
John McLoughlin, Officer Dominick Pezzulo, Officer Antonio Rodriguez, 
and Officer Chris Amoroso, buried alive, crushed under steel and 
concrete and surviving inside an air pocket made by part of an 
elevator.
  After fourteen hours, and after losing three of his fellow officers 
who had been trapped near him, Will was pulled from the rubble.
  Officer Jimeno's actions that day, and everyday of his recovery 
since, are a testament to his character and spirit. Rather than be 
daunted by the tragedy that occurred, he is steadfast and resolute in 
his commitment to serve others.
  As Will himself has said, ``As soon as I'm better I'll put my uniform 
back on and go back to work.''
  Those who attacked us on September 11 thought our commitment to 
freedom and to each other made us weak. They never met Will Jimeno. The 
bravery and love he exhibited in the face of terror make him an example 
for us all.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the City of Clifton, 
Will's family and friends, myself, and a truly grateful nation in 
honoring a great American, Port Authority Police Officer William 
Jimeno.

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