[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 83 (Friday, May 30, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E888-E889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORABLE GARY GIARDINA

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 30, 2014

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorable 
Gary F. Giardina who, after 36 years of service to the people of 
Clifton as a member of the Clifton Police Force, is being honored for 
his retirement on Sunday, June 1, 2014. A life-long resident of the 
City of Clifton, Gary Giardina devoted 36 years to the community that 
raised him, most notably serving 4 years as Clifton's 9th Police Chief. 
I am extremely proud to represent such a noble and committed individual 
in the 9th Congressional District, and I am extremely grateful for the 
service Chief Giardina has contributed to our community.

[[Page E889]]

  Chief Giardina's passion for public service began in his teenage 
years, when he began training in 1978 through the Comprehensive 
Employment and Training Act. His extraordinary work ethic and 
enthusiasm for public service earned him a permanent spot in the 
Clifton Police Department a few short years later. Not long after his 
appointment to the force, his success was dampened by a traumatic 
injury when he was run over by a vehicle traveling on Route 3. Doctors 
concluded that the damage would render his entire right arm permanently 
useless. However, his prognosis could not stop his passion for public 
service; he was determined to return to the police force. He was 
finally able to return to the force after enduring a long brutal battle 
through physical therapy. While life continued to present obstacles for 
then-officer Giardina his resilience persisted, even through lay-offs, 
demotions, and even brushes with death until 1988, when he was finally 
recognized for his incredible tenacity and was appointed to the 
Narcotics and Patrol Division and promoted to Sergeant.
  Over the next decade his skill as a leader would earn the respect of 
his fellow officers and propel him to the rank of Lieutenant where he 
would assume command of the Community Policing Division in 1997. He was 
then given the rank of Captain and assigned to Field Operations in 
2002. As head of the Field Operations Bureau, he was responsible for 
the Patrol, Traffic, and Communications Divisions which collectively 
made up the largest component of officers in the department until he 
would reach the pinnacle of his career when he was appointed as the 
Chief of Police in 2010.
  During Chief Giardina's long career he was also able to continue his 
education and eam a Masters of Administrative Science degree from 
Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a Baccalaureate degree from Jersey 
City State College of Criminal Justice. Chief Giardina is also a 
National and State Certified Public Manager. He has always been a 
strong believer in open communication and cooperation, not only within 
the department but also with other City, County, State, and Federal 
Departments. Chief Giardina has always said, ``There are no unimportant 
jobs or people in this agency. Evetyone plays an essential role in 
success of this Police Department''. This type leadership is what has 
made Clifton, New Jersey a safe and welcoming place to live.
  As Co-Chair of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, I have been 
honored to work first-hand with him on a long list of public safety 
issues in my district. Chief Gary Giardina has always exemplified the 
virtues that merit all of his accomplishments. He has been a leader, a 
mentor, and friend to many of us and I am honored to have worked with a 
man of such integrity.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing and commemorating the 
achievements of individuals such as Chief Gary F. Giardina.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Chief Giardina's 
coworkers, family and friends, all those whose lives he has touched, 
and me, in recognizing the career of Chief Gary F. Giardina.

                          ____________________