[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 64 (Wednesday, May 11, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E865]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING NORWALK, CONNECTICUT POLICE OFFICERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. HIMES

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 11, 2011

  Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
police officers who have dedicated their lives to serving the people of 
Norwalk, Connecticut.
  Since its formation in 1913, the Norwalk Police Department has 
improved the quality of life for generations of citizens. Its officers' 
vigilant protection of the city's residents and their property has 
formed the foundation of public peace, order and tranquility that has 
allowed Norwalk to prosper.
  Every day, Norwalk's police officers take on the responsibility of 
keeping the city safe. It can be a dangerous job. Five times in its 
history, the Norwalk Police Department has suffered the loss of one of 
its own in the line of duty. Sergeants Frank S. Stratton and Nicholas 
W. Fera, and Officers Sherrald Gorton, Marco Carias and Matthew Morelli 
each lost their lives in service to the community they sought to 
protect. We are forever indebted to them, and I join the people of 
Norwalk in honoring their memory today.
  We also remember the retired officers of the Norwalk Police 
Department who passed away this year. All who serve today carry on a 
proud tradition inherited from those who wore the uniform in days gone 
by. We commemorate their service and we celebrate their lives.
  Every officer deserves our praise. Their daily work makes it possible 
for each of us to enjoy the benefits of liberty, secure in the 
knowledge that our neighborhoods and places of business are safe. The 
dedication of Norwalk's officers to preventing crime and educating the 
public has spared so many families from experiencing unnecessary 
tragedy. And their collaboration with residents and business owners has 
promoted a sense of shared responsibility that makes the city an 
example to other communities nationwide.
  To every officer who has served Norwalk with pride in years past, and 
every officer serving today, I offer my gratitude. And to the families 
of those men who gave their lives in the line of duty, I express the 
eternal thanks of a city, a state and a nation that can never say 
``thank you'' enough.

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