[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E581]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING UTICA POLICE OFFICERS SCOTT BERGER AND MICHAEL PETRIE

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                         HON. MICHAEL A. ARCURI

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2010

  Mr. ARCURI. Madam Speaker, in the early morning on Sunday, September 
20th 2009, a great tragedy occurred in my hometown of Utica, New York. 
A horrific fire in an apartment building claimed the lives of four 
people.
  While this loss of life can never be replaced, the loss would have 
been much more severe had it not been for the courageous acts of two 
Utica Police Officers, Scott Berger and Michael Petrie.
  When Officers Berger and Petrie arrived on scene, the apartment 
building was heavily engulfed in smoke and flames. Without regard to 
their safety, Officers Berger and Petrie ran into the building and 
pounded on the doors on the first, second and third floors, yelling to 
residents to evacuate the premise.
  While trying to enter the back door, an explosion blew out the door, 
which sent Officers Berger and Petrie scrambling for safety.
  Due to their honor, courage and dedication to protecting the public, 
Officers Berger and Petrie were named Police Officers of the Year by 
the American Legion's Utica Post 229.
  Madam Speaker, I call on my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
Utica Police Department, and specifically, Officers Berger and Petrie, 
for exemplifying the characteristics of true public servants. Our 
community and country is a better and safer place because of their 
efforts.

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