[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 61 (Tuesday, April 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF JOHN JOSEPH HAMMILL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2007

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true servant of 
New Jersey and the States, who devoted his life to the safety and well 
being of his neighbors and community. John Joseph Hammill, a veteran of 
the United States Navy, Highland Park Police Department and the 
Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, passed away on December 6, 2006 
at the age of 59.
  Born on July 23, 1947 in Jersey City, Mr. Hammill moved to Carteret, 
New Jersey as a teenager. After graduating from Carteret High School, 
Mr. Hammill enlisted in the United States Navy and served in a military 
hospital in Yokohama, Japan until 1969.
  When Mr. Hammill returned home, he joined the Highland Park Police 
Department, dutifully protecting his community for 8 years and 
attaining the rank of Detective, First Grade. Demonstrating exceptional 
knowledge and passion for traffic safety, Mr. Hammill transferred to 
the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office in 1977, where he served as a 
detective in the Fatal Accident Unit until his retirement from law 
enforcement in 1994.
  Mr. Hammill's relentless commitment to public service brought him out 
of a brief retirement to the Damon House Drug Rehabilitation Center in 
New Brunswick. Through hard work and dedication he ascended quickly 
through the organization to the role of Assistant Director, where he 
served in this capacity until retiring in 2004.
  While devoting his professional career to serving the public, Mr. 
Hammill was equally unselfish with his personal time, working to better 
his community through organizations such as the New Jersey State 
Policeman's Benevolent Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the 
New Jersey Coalition Against Impaired Driving, the Middlesex County 
Alcohol Association and as an AARP defensive driving instructor.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring the 
life of Mr. John Joseph Hammill. A caring family man, Mr. Hammill 
served his community and country with pride and honor. His life's work 
served as an inspiration to us all, and he will be deeply missed.

                          ____________________