[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 126 (Thursday, November 9, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1992]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO ROBERT LATORRACA ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

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                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 9, 2006

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join the many family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered in 
extending my sincere congratulations to Robert LaTorraca as he 
celebrates his retirement after more than thirty years of dedicated 
service to American Medical Response.
  In each of our communities, we have emergency response services which 
we depend on. However, ambulatory services, like those provided by 
American Medical Response, are often overlooked with police, fire, and 
other services at the forefront of discussion and debate. American 
Medical Response serves more communities and customers than any other 
private ambulance service provider in the nation. But more importantly, 
the organization's employees, those like Bob LaTorraca, serve their 
local communities on a personal basis, as part of the community where 
they live and work.
  A graduate of Hamden High School and alumni of Quinnipiac College and 
Southern Connecticut State University, Bob has spent a lifetime in the 
community and his dedication to its protection and safety is 
unquestionable. Bob began his career as a field emergency medical 
technician with the New Haven Ambulance service and quickly earned his 
way to the position of Vice President of Operations. During the 
beginning of his career, Bob distinguished himself as an innovator by 
developing the first proprietary accounts receivable system in the 
state and establishing the first neonatal transport contract with Yale-
New Haven Hospital. When, in the early nineties, New Haven Ambulance 
Service became one of the four founding companies of American Medical 
Response, Bob was named Chief Operating Officer for Connecticut and for 
the Northeast Operations just a few years later.
  Leading a team of more than eight thousand employees in 23 states 
prior to his retirement, Bob achieved great professional success, 
however, his innumerable contributions to communities in need are what 
set him apart. Most recently, and perhaps most notably, were the 
actions he took following two of the most devastating events in our 
Nation's history. On September 11, 2001, he personally led a contingent 
of American Medical Response personnel from both Connecticut and New 
York to support of Fire Department of New York, and, just this past 
year, Bob has made a number of trips to assist in the on-going relief 
efforts in Mississippi in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Bob has also 
left an indelible mark on his own community with his outstanding 
efforts on behalf of a variety of local organizations and committees. 
The Hamden Fire Commission, the Shirley Frank Foundation, the Clelian 
Adult Daycare Center, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving are just a few 
of those who have benefited from Bob's support. The myriad of awards 
and citations that he has been honored with are testament to his 
enduring commitment to our community.
  I have often said our communities would not be the same without the 
efforts of those who dedicate their time and energies to making a 
difference. Bob is a reflection of all that we want our community 
members to be. His compassion, generosity, and faithful service has 
touched countless lives. It is an honor for me to stand today to join 
his wife, Marby; his children, Maresa, Rob, and Jared; as well as the 
family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered today in extending my 
sincerest thanks and appreciation to Robert LaTorracca for all that he 
has given to our community. He is an inspiration to many and leaves a 
legacy that will continue to have a positive impact on the lives of 
others for generations to come. I wish he and Marby the very best as 
they enjoy his retirement and many more years of health and happiness.

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