[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 12, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               ONE OF HOUSTON'S FINEST: OFFICER AL AMATO

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                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 12, 2008

  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, police officers dedicate their lives to 
keeping our streets and communities secure. They selflessly venture 
into dangerous situations every day and put their lives on the line so 
that the rest of us can sleep safely. Houston Senior Police Officer 
Alphonso ``Al'' Amato, Jr., is one of those elite individuals, who 
dedicated his entire career to protecting the innocent from evil-doers.
  Officer Amato enrolled in the Houston Police Academy in 1981. His 
first assignment upon graduation was with the Patrol Division of the 
Houston Police Department. One of his more notable experiences occurred 
when he was testifying against an aggravated robbery defendant in the 
177th District Court. While he was testifying, the defendant jumped up 
and threw his chair at the prosecutor. Officer Amato responded, like 
any top-notch officer would, and without giving it a second thought, 
jumped up and immediately took the defendant into custody. He was later 
prosecuted as the trial continued.
  Officer Amato has been responsible for removing dangerous outlaws 
from the streets of Houston. In 1983, he began working on cases 
involving juveniles and spent the majority of his career working in the 
Juvenile Division of the police force. While working in the Juvenile 
Sex Crimes Unit, he investigated more than 1,000 child exploitation 
cases. Time and again, he has successfully arrested the worst kind of 
criminal, the one who preys on innocent children.
  He has a knack for difficult cases and has taken on the most 
challenging, where little or no information has been available. Each 
time, he managed to track down the criminals and bring them to justice.
  Not only does Officer Amato have fine-tuned investigative skills, he 
is also known for his ability to manage a crime scene. He always kept 
order, even in the most difficult situations, while questioning the 
involved parties.
  During his many years of dedicated service, he has received countless 
commendations, expressions of appreciation, Unit Citations, an FBI 
recognition for Task Force and Sting Operations, a U.S. Marshal 
recognition for Gang Task Force involvement and a Houston Fire 
Department recognition. He is also well respected throughout the 
community and among his peers.
  Officer Amato's family has a history of service. His father served in 
the military. Before becoming a law enforcement officer, Officer Amato 
served in the United States Air Force in Vietnam for 4 years. After his 
time in the military, he joined the Federal Protective Services and was 
there until 1977, when he left to join the Chicago Police Department. 
He stayed in Chicago until 1981 and then began his career with the 
Houston Police Department. This year, he is retiring from a 
distinguished career after more than 26 years of service.
  According to his fellow officers, Officer Amato served the citizens 
of Houston with pride, honor and commitment. He is known as an 
upstanding citizen, a patriotic American and a devoted law enforcement 
officer.
  I would also like to recognize the contributions of Al's wife, Sandy, 
and daughter, Raven. I commend them for persevering over the difficult 
job of their loved one serving as a law enforcement officer. Many of 
the most successful officers have a significant family support system 
behind the scenes.
  On the date of his retirement, March 21, 2008, I congratulate and 
thank Senior Police Officer Al Amato for wearing the badge of a Texas 
lawman with distinction while serving the people of Houston. Future law 
enforcement officers can learn by the example of Officer Amato and 
realize that one person truly can make a difference.
  And that's just the way it is.




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