[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 38 (Tuesday, March 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           SALUTE TO SERGEANT TOMMASO POPOLIZIO--FALLEN HERO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 6, 2007

  Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
achievements of a fallen Newark police officer whose tragic loss in the 
line of duty is mourned by his family, friends, fellow law enforcement 
officers, and our entire community. Sergeant Tommaso Popolizio died in 
the early morning hours of Saturday, March 3, 2007, at the age of 33, 
while working to keep our streets safe. He leaves behind his wife, four 
children, father and five siblings.
  Sergeant Popolizio, born and raised in Newark, dedicated his life to 
the city where he and his family put down roots. His parents, Nicola 
and Sarah, immigrated to the United States in the late 1960s from Italy 
and settled in the North Ward of Newark, New Jersey, my home city. The 
youngest of seven children, Sergeant Popolizio attended my alma mater, 
Barringer High School and went on to study at Rutgers University, 
Newark. He joined the Newark police force in 1995, the first of three 
brothers to do so.
  Sergeant Popolizio once said, ``I try to do as much as I can every 
day that I go out there.'' Committed to bettering our city, Sergeant 
Popolizio, the consummate police officer, always rose to the occasion 
whether on or off duty. Noted for his bravery and dedication, Sergeant 
Popolizio protected our city streets and saved a number of lives. Upon 
first joining the police force, he was fired upon during a chase to 
apprehend dangerous suspects. In 1999, Sergeant Popolizio and another 
officer rushed into a burning building and rescued three children. 
Chalking up such instances of bravery to ``all in a day's work,'' 
Popolizio never sought recognition, never shrank from duty, and always 
gave one-hundred percent to his job. It is therefore no surprise that 
someone with such heart and tenacity as Sergeant Popolizio was bestowed 
with honors and rose up the ranks of the Newark Police Department. As 
an East District supervisor, Sergeant Popolizio was known for his 
positive influence in leading by example.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the U.S. House of 
Representatives to join me in honoring Sergeant Tommaso Popolizio, who 
died as he lived his life--selflessly and with integrity. I am honored 
to have had him represent my home city and I know my colleagues join me 
in extending our deepest sympathy to the family of one of Newark's 
fallen heroes.

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