[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 193 (Wednesday, December 4, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H9227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1015
                         RECOGNIZING MIKE CLARK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the well-
earned retirement of Northampton Township Chief of Police Mike Clark. 
Chief Clark has served the people of Northampton Township for 47 years 
and as our chief of police since 2013.
  For the first 26 years of his service, Chief Clark served on the 
patrol division, on SWAT, and the detective department, giving him a 
wide range of experiences within the police force.
  Earlier this year, under the leadership of Chief Clark, the 
department earned an accreditation from the Pennsylvania Law 
Enforcement Accreditation Commission, an achievement realized by just 
10 percent of the State's 1,200 police departments.
  Chief Clark works to make the department more active in the 
community, to increase his office's interaction with the people they 
work to protect. His Coffee with the Cops initiative created personal 
connections between the police officers and the public. And under his 
leadership, the department created a Facebook page to keep the public 
informed.
  Mr. Speaker, we want to thank Chief Clark for his hard work and 
dedication to the people of Northampton Township. Because of the 
actions of Chief Clark and his officers, Northampton is safer and 
happier for everybody who resides there.
  Chief Clark, we thank you for your service, and we hope you enjoy 
your well-earned retirement.


                         Honoring Thomas Hecker

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Thomas Hecker of Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Mr. Hecker passed away 
surrounded by his family at the age of 72.
  Tom was born in Philadelphia and raised in Langhorne. He graduated 
from Bishop Egan High School and received his undergraduate degree from 
La Salle University, both my alma maters. After receiving his law 
degree from Villanova University, he joined the law firm of Begley, 
Carlin & Mandio, where he faithfully worked as a partner until his 
passing.
  Tom was a man of devout faith. Tom volunteered at his church as a 
lector and a Eucharistic minister visiting the homebound.
  Tom had a zest for life, which was often expressed through the 
twinkle in his eyes that we all saw every time we saw him. Tom 
cherished his family and friends, and he loved to socialize and connect 
with them over a meal and a good bottle of wine.
  Tom was notorious for his Eagles Sunday football parties and even 
created bleachers in his house for game days. Tom was also a golf 
enthusiast.
  You could often find Tom in the summer at his beach house. He lived 
by the motto, ``Smile, you are in Sea Isle City.''
  Mr. Speaker, our deepest condolences go out to his entire family and 
friends. Tom is now enjoying his eternal reward for a life he spent 
serving others.


                         Honoring Bob Godshall

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
former Pennsylvania State Representative Bob Godshall who passed away 
before the Thanksgiving holiday. Bob represented the 53rd District 
honorably for 36 years and retired in 2018.
  Bob Godshall was born in Franconia, Pennsylvania, on the family farm 
where he lived until his passing. He was a proud graduate of Souderton 
High School and Juniata College in Huntingdon. As an adult, he helped 
run the family farm's poultry operation, served on the Souderton area 
school board, and was a former Montgomery County controller.
  In the State House, Bob served as the chairman of the Consumer 
Affairs Committee, following his tenure as chairman of the Tourism and 
Recreational Development Committee. He frequently worked across the 
aisle to push legislation that protected consumers, boosted tourism 
across the State, and benefited the people of Montgomery County.
  Mr. Speaker, no matter the politics, Bob put his community first. Bob 
worked tirelessly to bring better jobs, safety, and improved 
infrastructure to our community. Bob was great man and a dedicated 
public servant, and as long as good, honest individuals like him work 
to serve the people, we can look forward to the future.

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