[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 111 (Thursday, July 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF PATROLMAN JOHN J. WILDING FOR SERVING AND PROTECTING 
                          THE CITY OF SCRANTON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 16, 2015

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Patrolman John 
Wilding, whose faithful watch ended this past Sunday morning, July 12, 
due to injuries sustained while on duty, and those injuries tragically 
ended Patrolman Wilding's life the next day.
  A native son of Scranton, Pennsylvania, John Wilding joined the 
Scranton Police Department in April 2014, after working for years to 
earn his place on the force. John's passion to serve and protect his 
city was exhibited in his work. A fixture in his community, John would 
regularly check in with local businesses and talk to West Scranton High 
School students on their way home from class as part of his policing 
duties.
  Early this past Saturday morning, John responded to reports of a 
stolen vehicle in Scranton. During a pursuit, suspects exited this 
vehicle near the 300 block of North Main Avenue. Several officers, 
including Patrolman Wilding, pursued the perpetrators on foot. During 
the chase, John leapt over a wall not realizing that a fifteen-foot 
descent was on the other side. He suffered a serious head injury as a 
result of the fall. John succumbed to his injuries the next day at 
Geisinger Community Medical Center.
  Patrolman Wilding is survived by his wife, Kristen Tansits Wilding, 
his daughter, Lola Mae, his son, Sidney Wolfgang. He was a dedicated 
provider for his family, but, beyond that, he was a loving husband and 
a playful, devoted, and protective father to his children.
  It is a great tragedy to lose such a highly regarded officer of the 
law and an honest, well-respected man. I am grateful for John Wilding's 
bravery, his public service, and his dedication to our community. His 
watch has now ended; may he rest in peace.

                          ____________________