[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 91 (Tuesday, July 9, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           NEW HAMPSHIRE CONGRESSIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARDS

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                          HON. JOHN E. SUNUNU

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 9, 2002

  Mr. SUNUNU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the men and 
women of law enforcement who have exemplified themselves through 
uncommon and distinctive service to the citizens of New Hampshire 
during the course of their duties.
  Few among us would question that one of the most demanding 
professions in our nation is law enforcement; it is a profession that 
requires sacrifice, courage and a dedication to serve others. Each day, 
these brave men and women put themselves in harm's way in order to 
administer the laws of our society. In so doing, they have earned--and 
deserve--our respect and our gratitude.
  In 1998, my friend and colleague, Representative Charles Bass, and I 
first established the New Hampshire Congressional Law Enforcement 
Awards at the request of current and retired New Hampshire law 
enforcement personnel. We both agreed that these awards would be an 
excellent way to honor the men and women of law enforcement whose 
service and professionalism was truly extraordinary, and this Sunday, 
July 14, a ceremony will be held at the New Hampshire Police Standards 
and Training facility in Concord to honor the 82 recipients of this 
year's awards.
  In New Hampshire, the nominations process for the awards starts with 
all duty sworn officers of the law, full or part-time, including local, 
county, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement 
professionals from other states who distinguish themselves in serving 
the people of New Hampshire are also eligible. Nominations are then 
made based on exceptional achievement in any police endeavor, 
including: extraordinary valor; crime prevention; drug control and 
prevention; investigative work; community policing; community service; 
traffic safety; search and rescue; and juvenile training, programs. 
Individual officers are nominated for the award by citizens, an 
officer's department or his or her co-workers, a city or town official 
or a government agency.
  The awards honor law enforcement personnel in one of five separate 
categories: Career Service Award, which recognizes those who have shown 
an outstanding dedication to law enforcement over the length of their 
career; Unit Citation Award, which recognizes officers for actions 
taken as a group in dangerous situations; Dedication and 
Professionalism Award, which recognizes personnel who exceed their 
normal duties in service to others; Above and Beyond the Call of Duty 
Award, which honors officers who put their lives in harm's way in 
service to others; and Associate Service Award, which honors fire and 
rescue personnel as well as civilians who assist law officers in the 
course of their duties--at times putting their own lives at risk.
  While Congress works each day to pass legislation that supports local 
law enforcement and protects the interests of our communities, families 
and children, the men and women of law enforcement, working on the 
front lines every day, take the necessary risks to ensure our safety 
and the safety of our loved ones. These awards have been a fitting 
tribute to our officers and a reminder to all of us of the important 
role they play in our lives and in our communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I join with Congressman Bass and all the citizens of the 
Granite State in offering our appreciation for the service and the 
dedication of our law enforcement personnel. I congratulate each 
recipient of the 2002 New Hampshire Congressional Law Enforcement 
Awards, and thank the people with whom they work and the citizens they 
serve for nominating such outstanding individuals.

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