[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 106 (Friday, July 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE OF PAUL H. PROTZENKO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 15, 2011

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today 
to honor Paul H. Protzenko of Enfield, Connecticut. Paul was killed on 
July 9, 2011, when his vehicle was attacked by small arms fire in 
Afghanistan, where he was training local officers on crime scene 
investigation techniques and police tactics.
  Born in Agawam, Massachusetts, Paul had been a proud resident of 
Enfield of many years. Paul served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army for 6 
years and went on to serve for 22 years as a Connecticut State Trooper 
First Class. After retiring from the force in 2009, Paul selflessly 
decided to serve his country in Afghanistan by employing his talents 
and expertise in law enforcement to help local officers protect their 
communities and take charge of their future.
  Paul's life can only be described as a life of service to others. His 
passionate love for his country and community afforded him two life-
saving medals as a trooper and an additional medal while serving in the 
military.
  In Enfield, Paul was a communicant of St. Adalbert Church. Outside of 
his professional life, he stayed active as an avid martial artist, 
marksman, and skier. Neighbors and friends remember Paul as a standout 
figure in the community who--whether in uniform or not--always sought 
to keep the people around him safe.
  Above all, he was devoted to his family. Paul will be deeply missed 
by his wife, Lyse; his three children Jennifer, Anthony, and Matthew; 
his parents; and his grandchildren. We must always remember those who 
dedicate their lives to serving this great country. Paul made the 
ultimate sacrifice for us and we will always remember and honor him for 
it. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, his neighbors, and his 
brothers on the state police force. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
mourning the loss and honoring the life of this courageous man, Paul H. 
Protzenko.

                          ____________________