[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 155 (Saturday, September 27, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2046]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         OFFICER RICKY ANTOINE

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 2008

  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, today I recognize Port Arthur police officer, 
Rickey Antoine for his commitment to law enforcement and traffic 
safety.
  On August 21, 2008, Officer Antoine was awarded 2008 Traffic Officer 
of the Year by Texas Department of Transportation's Statewide 
Transportation Enhancement Program (STEP) that offers grants for police 
officers to target a specific area of enforcement during overtime. The 
Texas Department of Transportation acknowledged Officer Antoine for his 
``outstanding achievements and extraordinary efforts to save lives on 
Texas streets and highways.'' Being the first time a police department 
east of Houston has been recognized for its efforts, this is a great 
accomplishment for Officer Antoine and the Port Arthur Police 
Department.
  Despite issuing traffic tickets not being pleasant for him and 
hearing many complaints, Officer Antoine has dedicated his service to 
enforcing the law. He has issued hundreds of traffic tickets in the two 
years he has served on the Department's traffic unit. He has even 
ticketed motorists driving 5 miles over the speed limit, which appears 
to be absurd to violators, but Officer Antoine sticks by the law to 
ensure traffic safety.
  While Officer Antoine would rather not write traffic tickets, he 
follows the principle that drivers must take responsibility for their 
actions. Driving over the speed limit increases the risk of death in an 
automobile accident. Officer Antoine has devoted his career to limiting 
that risk for drivers by enforcing the speed limit to as many people 
possible.
  Before Officer Antoine came onto the area stretching across Ninth 
Avenue, speed limits were almost always violated.
  On behalf of the Second Congressional District of Texas, I 
congratulate Officer Rickey Antoine for his accomplishments and applaud 
his dedication to traffic safety and making Southeast Texas a better 
place to drive.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________