[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 9 (Wednesday, February 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF STATE POLICE CAPTAIN KATHY STEFANI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 2, 2005

  Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a woman who 
has dedicated the better part of her life to ensuring the public safety 
of our community. She is a pioneer in law enforcement, and a role-model 
for all who choose to wear the uniform. Dedicated, visionary, and 
compassionate, she has left a lasting legacy on the Massachusetts State 
Police, the troopers under her command, and the public she serves.
  I'm talking of Capt. Kathy Stefani.
  Where I'm from, it's not uncommon for children to want to follow in 
their parents' professional footsteps. No where is this more so than 
with the police department. So it was with a special pride that Kathy's 
father, Gerry Coletta, a good friend and my chief administrative 
assistant from my tenure as Norfolk district attorney, encouraged her 
pursuit of a law enforcement career.
  Joining the ranks of the Massachusetts State Police force in 1978, 
she was one of only three women on the job. It was clear from the 
beginning that her career was going to be special.
  In 1995, when she was elevated to the rank of lieutenant, she became 
the first State Police officer to run the Commonwealth's crime Lab. 
During her tenure there, she successfully secured a $1 million grant to 
develop the first DNA testing facilities in Massachusetts.
  And, in 1999, when Kathy was promoted again she made more history as 
the first woman ever to hold the rank of captain. Law enforcement has 
always been a family affair, and at her promotion ceremony she proudly 
accepted her husband Michael's badge as her own.
  During her 26 years on the force, Captain Stefani has been involved 
with some of the most important public events in recent memory. Long 
before we talked about homeland security, she used her position as 
Troop H commander to push for a more integrated approach for securing 
large events--including the 2000 Presidential Debate held at UMASS-
Boston, the annual Sail Boston events, the July 4th celebrations on the 
Esplanade.
  During her long career she's been recognized with the 
Superintendent's Commendation, the Distinguished Service Award for 
Forensic Science and the prestigious State Police Medal of Merit.
  But perhaps the greatest compliments come from those who don't know 
her personally, but benefit from her forward-thinking plan for the 
State crime lab during the 1990's. Long before televisions shows like 
CSI made forensic science popular, Captain Stefani recognized the role 
that DNA testing could play in bringing criminals, especially rapists, 
to justice. Her perseverance in advocating for this technology has 
brought solace and comfort to victims and their families.
  As Captain Stefani prepares to enter into a well-deserved retirement, 
I doubt very much that she'll be working on her tennis game. My guess 
is that she'll continue to be involved professionally--inspiring the 
next generation in the classroom; being a role-model to those who 
continue to wear the uniform, like her brother Chip; being an involved 
mom to her two kids, and a loving wife to Michael; and a devoted 
daughter to Gerry and Marge.
  I'm honored to add my voice to the chorus of friends, family and 
colleagues who wish her well as she embarks on her retirement. Job well 
done.

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