[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 186 (Wednesday, November 20, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S6711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO GREGORY FERRY

 Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am proud to recognize Captain 
Gregory Ferry of Hooksett as November's Granite Stater of the Month for 
his leadership m strengthening the partnership between New Hampshire's 
law enforcement and the Special Olympics.
  Captain Ferry recently retired from the New Hampshire State Police 
after 25 years of dedicated service to the people of New Hampshire. 
Known for going the extra mile to support his fellow officers in the 
line of duty, Captain Ferry led outside of work as well. Throughout his 
career, even while carrying out the full duties of a New Hampshire 
State Trooper, Captain Ferry volunteered with the Special Olympics. He 
has been involved in everything from handing out medals to the athletes 
to the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
  The Law Enforcement Torch Run helps bring awareness to the Special 
Olympics. Captain Ferry would help his fellow officers run what is 
called the ``Flame for Hope'' all across New Hampshire, for a total 
distance of 550 miles. Since the run's inception 35 years ago, New 
Hampshire law enforcement has raised more than $5.5 million for Special 
Olympics, and for 25 of those 35 years, Captain Ferry was at its helm.
  After 17 years of participating in the program, Captain Ferry decided 
to get even more involved and was chosen as State police liaison to the 
Special Olympics.
  In this role, Captain Ferry oversaw the expansion of law 
enforcement's partnership with the program, which included recruiting 
more liaisons, expanding law enforcement's participation in the Summer 
and Winter Games, and increasing fundraising efforts.
  As a symbol of Captain Ferry's strong relationship with the program, 
he was selected to represent New Hampshire at the 2019 Special Olympics 
World Games in Abu Dhabi, where he participated in the Torch Run across 
the United Arab Emirates. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for 
Captain Ferry to represent both New Hampshire law enforcement and the 
Special Olympics program on the world stage.
  Captain Ferry has said that the most rewarding part of his 
involvement in the Special Olympics has been the special bonds that he 
has formed with the athletes, which extend beyond the playing field. He 
continues to keep in touch with some of the athletes on social media 
and makes sure to give them a hug whenever he sees them outside of the 
program.
  Captain Ferry's daughter, Jillian, also happens to be a Special 
Olympian. Her favorite event is bowling, and she has beaten dad on a 
few occasions.
  From serving as a public safety officer who went out of his way to 
support his fellow officers and protect his community, to providing a 
sense of security for the athletes in the Special Olympics program who 
have learned to trust him, Captain Ferry has demonstrated what it means 
to be a dedicated public servant.
  Thank you, Captain Ferry, for your service to our great State, and I 
wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

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