[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 19 (Thursday, February 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CONGRATULATING SPECIAL AGENT TIMOTHY LATTERNER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2002

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
Special Agent Timothy Latterner, resident of Allendale, New Jersey, and 
decorated member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for his 
dedication to protecting our country. Later today, the Mayor and 
Council of the Borough of Allendale will pay tribute to Special Agent 
Latterner for his outstanding service to our country and the people of 
New Jersey. On this day, he will also be honored for his heroism and 
success in ending the trail of violence of one of the FBI's most wanted 
fugitives. As stories and reports from this dramatic event become 
known, we can understand the gravity of the situation as well as the 
outstanding skill of Special Agent Latterner as he protected the lives 
of innocent citizens. A leader of the men and women who bravely defend 
the citizens of this country, Special Agent Latterner is truly a hero 
of Allendale, of New Jersey, and of the country.
  Special Agent Latterner's career in law enforcement is certainly 
impressive. Aside from serving in the Military Police in our Nation's 
army, he has been active as a Patrolman of the Borough of Allendale 
Police Department as well as the city of Fort Lee Police Department. 
Special Agent Latterner has always found the time and energy to 
participate in every aspect of his community. While serving in the 
Allendale and Fort Lee Police Departments, he also was a Drug Abuse 
Resistance Education (DARE) instructor to local youth. Almost seven 
years ago, he began a career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation 
and today serves in New York City as a member of the FBI's Fugitive 
Task Force and SWAT team.
  The awards and honors Special Agent Latterner has received are 
tremendous, and quite outstanding. To list only a few: he has received 
the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Combat in Panama, Medal of 
Valor from the New York City Police Department, the Heroism Award from 
the New York Fraternal Police Order, and named Investigator of the Year 
by the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation. Most recently, his name was 
submitted for the FBI Medal of Valor for heroic actions.
  One of Special Agent Latterner's most remarkable moments will be 
honored in Allendale today. His dedication to his career and the 
pursuit of justice brought him to Atlantic City on May 11, 2001. With a 
lead on a notorious and deadly fugitive wanted nationwide, Special 
Agent Latterner and two other law enforcement officials pursued the man 
successfully to a casino. Witnesses said that the scene was right out 
of the movies. For Special Agent Latterner, it was the final step in a 
chase across States for a man the FBI named in its most wanted. The 
fugitive was wanted for murder, sexual assault, kidnapping and armed 
robbery. In a crowded chaotic room, Special Agent Latterner was able to 
successfully subdue this armed and dangerous man and prevent injury to 
the other law officials or the public. I do not doubt that Special 
Agent Latterner spared the lives of his partners and witnesses as he 
apprehended the dangerous criminal. This heroism and professionalism 
deserves our utmost respect and appreciation.
  I am honored to have such a man residing in the 5th District of New 
Jersey, and serving our country. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to 
join me in commending Special Agent Latterner for his actions that 
heroic day in Atlantic City, and for his outstanding career in 
enforcing our country's laws and defending our citizens. I wish him all 
the best for the rest of his remarkable career.

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