[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 78 (Thursday, June 13, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1030]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


MYCHAL JUDGE POLICE AND FIRE CHAPLAINS PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS' BENEFIT 
                              ACT OF 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 11, 2002

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support for the Mychal 
Judge Police & Fire Chaplains Public Safety Officers' Benefit Act.
  This legislation would ensure that those brave public safety officers 
who leave behind no spouses, children or parents will still be eligible 
for the Public Safety Officers' Benefit. This legislation would effect 
several of the victims of the tragedy of September 11 including Father 
Mychal Judge.
  Appointed in 1992 as the Catholic Chaplain of the New York City Fire 
Department at the strong urging of the uniformed members of the Fire 
Department, Father Judge dedicated himself to helping others and 
counseling to the members and families of members of the New York City 
Fire Department--a Department that has seen a tragically high number of 
casualties this year, previous to the events of 9-11.
  Taking on this role was characteristic of Father Judges lifetime of 
service that began when he entered the seminary at age 14. During his 
41 years as a priest, Father Judge tirelessly served the sick, 
homeless, poor, and disabled. He diligently cared for people living 
with AIDS, worked for peace in Northern Ireland, and tended to the 
families of the victims of TWA Flight 800, which exploded over Long 
Island in July of 1996 as well as provided for New York Firefighter 
families during both times of joy and sorrow.
  On September 11, Father Judge died as he lived--serving others. He 
was among the first units responding at the World Trade Center and, 
while advised to move to a safer location, he like so many of his 
comrades in the Fire Department, refused to leave his compatriots. When 
the firefighters entered the building, Father Judge was at their side, 
where he remained offering comfort and absolution until the end. We all 
remember the haunting picture of Father Judge being carried out of the 
wreckage of the World Trade Center.
  In addition to the New York Fire department, many of us here in 
Congress recognize and acknowledge his good works and have been working 
with the White House for the posthumous awarding of the presidential 
Medal of Freedom to Father Judge.
  That is why I am so pleased that such a compassionate and vital piece 
of legislation is named after such a compassionate and vital human 
being.
  Therefore, I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation that serves 
as a small token of appreciation to those who perish in the line of 
duty from a grateful nation.

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