[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 188 (Tuesday, October 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE REDEDICATION OF THE TOWN OF TONAWANDA POLICE 
    HEADQUARTERS AS THE ``FRANK H. PFONNER PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING''

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 26, 2021

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 
rededication of the Town of Tonawanda Police Headquarters as the 
``Frank H. Pfonner Public Safety Building,'' in honor of Police Officer 
Frank H. Pfonner. Officer Pfonner, the only Town of Tonawanda Police 
Officer to have been killed in the line of duty.
  Frank was born in June of 1893 to George and Elisabeth Pfonner. He 
was raised on the Pfonner family farm, located where Military Road 
meets Knoche Road today. The path that once connected the house to the 
barns has become Ensminger Road in Tonawanda
  Frank was one of the first officers hired by the Town of Tonawanda 
Police Department. He became Constable for the Town, and during his 
years of service risked his life to protect those in Tonawanda on many 
occasions. In one instance, he incurred a gunshot wound to the head, 
but later returned to duty.
  Frank would be killed in a hit-and-run incident while on his 
motorcycle, ending his watch over the Town of Tonawanda on April 8, 
1923.
  Frank had no children, but his commitment to service lived on through 
his family. His brother, Elmer G. Pfonner, would serve in the First 
World War. Upon his return, Elmer served as a Constable much like 
Frank. However, Elmer resigned when his parents became distraught at 
the thought of losing another son.
  Elmer went on to have five children, who would have been Frank's 
nieces and nephews. Two of Frank's nephew served in the Korean War, and 
the youngest of the nephews would go on to have four children. As a 
symbol of the legacy of Officer Pfonner, the youngest of the children 
was named Frank H. Pfonner, after his great uncle.
  Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joseph Emminger, the Town Board, and 
Police Chief James Stauffiger are to be commended for remembering the 
life and legacy of Officer Pfonner through rededication of the Town of 
Tonawanda Police Headquarters in his honor.
  This tribute will serve as a lasting reminder of the great sacrifices 
made by Officer Frank H. Pfonner and all police past and present who 
risk their own lives to serve our communities.

                          ____________________