[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 7 (Tuesday, February 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E78]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO OFFICER PAUL LASZCZYNSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                        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 
life of an American hero, Officer Paul Laszczynski of the Port 
Authority Police Department. Officer Laszczynski of Paramus, New 
Jersey, was killed in the Line of Duty while heroically responding to 
the attack on the World Trade Center on 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 Laszczynski be honored, in 
this, the permanent record of the greatest freely elected body on 
earth.
  A sixteen-year veteran of the Port Authority Police Department and 
member of the Port Authority's Emergency Services Unit, Officer 
Laszczynski was no stranger to emergency response. Having repelled down 
elevator shafts, climbed the top cables of the George Washington 
Bridge, and rescued people from burning buildings throughout his 
distinguished career, Paul Laszczynski once again placed the lives of 
others ahead of his own on September 11th.
  Trained in hazardous materials response, Officer Laszczynski was a 
member of the PAPD's Chemical Identification Response Team. Always one 
to take on additional tasks, Officer Laszczynski also served as the 
PATH Command's Fitness Coordinator, a Police Academy Pistol Range 
Instructor, and as a member of the Honor Guard.
  During the bombing of the World Trade Center on February 26, 1993, 
Officer Laszczynski helped rescue a handicapped man by carrying him to 
safety from the 72nd floor. His efforts that day earned him two 
distinguished citations: The Meritorious Citation for Exemplary Police 
Actions and the Individual Valor Award.
  Paul Laszczynski's dedication to serving others and the community at 
large did not stop with his service at the PAPD. He was a proud member 
of a motorcycle club made up of fellow officers that organizes charity 
rides for sick children and meets other community needs.
  He has touched countless lives for the better, and we are all better 
for having him as part of our American family.
  On Tuesday, September 11th that family was attacked in a way we had 
only seen in our very worst nightmares. The actions carried out on the 
people of this nation were unspeakable acts of war, targeting the very 
foundation of what makes us Americans. That day we all witnessed the 
very worst of mankind.
  What the perpetrators of these acts did was not realize the 
unwavering commitment to liberty and humankind felt by Paul Laszczynski 
and his fellow heroes. The bravery and love he exhibited in the face of 
terror make him an example for us all.
  We will honor Officer Paul Laszczynski by trying to live our lives as 
he lived his. We will honor Paul by loving his family as he did, and 
continuing his work to make our community a better place.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Paul's family and 
friends, myself, and a truly grateful nation in honoring the life of a 
great American, Port Authority Police Officer Paul Laszczynski.

                          ____________________