[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 18 (Thursday, January 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING MEMBERS OF THE WORCESTER POLICE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 25, 2018

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor six members of the 
Worcester Police Department who assisted with recovery efforts in 
Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, the worst natural 
disaster that island has ever experienced.
  In response to an urgent request from their colleagues in Puerto 
Rico, the Worcester Police Department, under the leadership of Chief 
Gary Gemme, deployed six officers to assist with recovery efforts on 
the island.
  On Wednesday, October 18, four of Worcester's finest deployed to 
Puerto Rico for two weeks and then, two weeks later, a second group 
deployed for another two weeks.
  These officers: Sargent Armando Garcia, Officers Danny Diaz, David 
Rojas, Jose Lugo-Gardner, Luis Baez, and an undercover officer--all 
with personal ties to Puerto Rico--joined members of the Massachusetts 
State Police to help their fellow Americans recover and rebuild.
  The experience was emotional--the work, demanding. They labored in 
and around the city of Carolina, where the hurricane caused 
catastrophic damage to the power grid, roads, and bridges. Around the 
clock, they responded to emergency calls, enforced curfews, and secured 
infrastructure.
  They distributed food and water. They saved the life of a suicidal 
man, administered CPR to victims of a motor vehicle accident, and 
assisted someone who was suffering from seizures. They provided a much-
needed respite for local law enforcement officials who were exhausted 
by their own responsibilities to their communities and their families.
  These officers represent the absolute best of the kind-hearted, 
compassionate people of Worcester. The emotional toll of bringing order 
to such chaos is high--yet these officers gave their time and talent 
unconditionally to the people of Puerto Rico.
  We owe them our respect, our admiration, and our gratitude. Their 
example of putting others first inspires us all. They have truly made a 
difference, and for that, they should be proud. I, for sure, am proud 
of them.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of Worcester, the people of 
Massachusetts, and the United States Congress, I would like to 
recognize and applaud these officers and all who made their mission in 
Puerto Rico possible.