[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING JOSEPH F. THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 17, 2009

  Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor Joseph F. Thompson, the 2008 recipient of the Pennsylvania State 
Police Trooper of the Year Award and a native of Bucks County.
  Trooper Thompson has demonstrated incredible bravery and self-
sacrifice during his career as a Pennsylvania State trooper, often 
putting his own personal safety aside for the sake of serving the 
public.
  Following his graduation from Pennsbury High School, Trooper Thompson 
enlisted in the Marine Corps. He then attended the Pennsylvania State 
Police Academy and became a trooper in 1993. After 16 years of 
distinguished service, he retired this past May.
  During his career as a trooper, Thompson worked undercover for the 
Bureau of Drug and Law Enforcement. He later became a member of Troop 
K, patrolling highways in search of drug dealers. Over the years, 
Trooper Thompson faced a number of life-or-death situations, even 
receiving the State Police Medal of Honor for saving the life of his 
partner during one such instance.
  The Trooper of the Year Award is another highlight in a career marked 
by much well-deserved recognition. In 2008, Trooper Thompson received 
the department's highest honor, an award recognizing exceptional 
performance and courage in the line of duty. This honor was based on 
accomplishments such as the 108 arrests he made in 2007, as well as an 
incident where Thompson used his own patrol car to slow a large vehicle 
carrying $5 million worth of cocaine on the highway.
  The Pennsylvania State Police have clearly been privileged to employ 
such a committed officer. Over his years of service, Mr. Thompson has 
undoubtedly helped ensure the safety and well-being of countless 
citizens. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Joseph F. Thompson for 
his extraordinary accomplishments, and extremely honored to serve as 
his Congressman.

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