[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E259-E260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF PETE J. STILIANESSIS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2022

  Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pete J. 
Stilianessis in celebration of his decades of work as a father, police 
officer and leader in the law enforcement community. I am proud to have 
such a committed and hardworking individual here in the great State of 
New Jersey. A native son of Passaic County, Pete Stilianessis dedicated 
his life to the safety and security of our neighborhood. I wish him 
well as he retires from the New Jersey State Troopers Non-Commissioned 
Officers Association.
  Born in Paterson, New Jersey to Jerry and Maryellen Stilianessis, 
Pete's story is one that begins with a love for public service. The son 
of a former marine, his mother's active duty in the United States 
Marine Corps would motivate Pete to do the same. Traveling the world as 
a machine gunner, Pete displayed his action-oriented personality. Most 
notably, he would answer the call to serve in the Gulf War and 
contribute his efforts in Iraq. A ``Task Force Ripper'' during 
Operation Desert Storm, Pete served as squad leader during ground 
combat operations liberating Kuwait City on February 27, 1991. Awarded 
the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Kuwait 
Liberation Medal and two

[[Page E260]]

Bronze Stars, Pete is a decorated veteran and a man worth our respect 
and admiration.
  Following his career in the military, Pete would enter law 
enforcement. First a Corrections Officer with the Passaic County 
Sherriff's Department, then a police officer with several 
municipalities, Pete would eventually decide that his greatest 
aspiration was to serve as a New Jersey State Trooper. Graduating from 
the New Jersey State Police Academy in 1993, Pete would formally begin 
his storied career as a State Trooper.
  Starting as a ``Road Trooper'', Pete would quickly ascend the ranks 
to reach Detective. Assigned to work on the Counter Terrorism Unit, FBI 
Joint Terrorism Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration, Pete 
carried out intricate and high level international and domestic 
investigations. Working both as an undercover agent and lead 
investigator, Pete worked in Central and South America in addition to 
operations here in the United States.
  As the President of the New Jersey State Troopers Non-Commissioned 
Officers Association, Pete advocated for his brothers and sisters in 
uniform. Embodying the principal of service over self, Pete traveled 
both to our State Capital of Trenton and Washington, D.C. to fight for 
improved benefits and funding. I know, he will be missed by so many as 
he retires from law enforcement. As he transitions into this new phase 
of life, I thank him for all his hard work.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to working with and recognizing the 
efforts of individuals like Mr. Pete J. Stilianessis.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, friends, family, 
and the residents of New Jersey in recognizing Pete J. Stilianessis, as 
we celebrate his years of distinguished service to the people of the 
Ninth Congressional District.

                          ____________________