[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E105-E106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO MR. PETER VAN DER VELDE

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 26, 2005

  Mr.  PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Rothman and I would like to call to 
your attention the work of an outstanding public servant, Mr. Peter Van 
Der Velde, Captain with the Hawthorne Police Department, who was 
recognized on Friday, January 21, 2005 for his lifelong dedication to 
public safety. It is only fitting that he be honored in this, the 
permanent record of the greatest freely elected body on earth, for he 
has a long history of leadership, creativity, and commitment to his 
noble profession.
  Mr. Peter Van Der Velde was born on August 23, 1947 in Paterson, New 
Jersey. He eventually moved from Paterson to the nearby Borough of 
Ramsey, New Jersey where he finished his formal education. After he 
graduated, Peter decided to serve in the United

[[Page E106]]

States Army and subsequently spent two years stationed in Vietnam. Upon 
the completion of his tour of duty, he returned home and quickly became 
an employee of the Passaic County Sheriff's Department.
  Captain Peter Van Der Velde has served with the Hawthorne Police 
Department for 30 years. During his long tenure with the department he 
has steadily climbed the ranks from Patrolman to Captain and completed 
countless assignments. Peter began his career with the Hawthorne Police 
Department in April of 1974 and by December of 1986 he was awarded the 
title of Sergeant. He then received a promotion to the rank of 
Lieutenant, before being named Captain.
  On October 6, 1993 Peter was appointed to the rank of Captain and 
immediately he began tackling the Borough's most challenging projects. 
As Captain he was in command of both the Uniformed Patrol as well as 
the Auxiliary Police but Peter insisted on expanding his duties. True 
to his nature Peter assumed as many additional responsibilities as 
possible including the posts of Traffic Safety Officer and Emergency 
Management Coordinator.
  Captain Van Der Velde exudes courage and dedication. Over the years 
Peter has been confronted by a wide array of obstacles and in each 
instance he has proven his resiliency. As President of PBA Local 200 he 
truly showed his concern for his fellow brethren as well as for the 
families of those police officers.
  The talents that have made Van Der Velde a successful Police Captain 
were echoed in all the areas of his community service. His multiple 
roles in the Ramsey Rescue Squad, Ramsey Fire Department, North Haledon 
Fire Department and the Hawthorne Ambulance Corps have enabled Peter to 
develop into the inspiring leader he is today.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves so much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to learning about and recognizing the 
efforts of individuals like Captain Peter Van Der Velde.
  Mr. Speaker, we ask that you join our colleagues as well as Peter's 
family and friends, in recognizing the outstanding and invaluable 
service of Captain Peter Van Der Velde.

                          ____________________