[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 45 (Thursday, March 9, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H1217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                  HONORING THE LIFE OF LOUIS MATARAZZO

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. D'Esposito) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Madam Speaker, I stand before you and this body today 
to recognize an incredible American, an incredible New Yorker, and an 
incredible law enforcement professional, Louis Matarazzo.
  Lou Matarazzo committed his life to serving the people of New York, 
where he spent 35 years as a member of the greatest police department 
in the world, the New York City Police Department.
  During his time in the NYPD, Lou experienced the ups and downs of 
life on patrol as an NYPD cop, dealing with a crime crisis spanning 
decades. Throughout this tumultuous time, Lou remained a steadfast 
community protector, an advocate for his fellow brothers and sisters in 
blue.
  For 31 years, Lou served in various capacities in the New York City 
Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, eventually being elected president 
in 1995. Throughout his tenure, Lou Matarazzo worked tirelessly to 
advocate for members of law enforcement, not just in New York, but 
across this country, and strengthened police community relationships in 
the Big Apple and beyond.
  Due to his efforts, the lives of New York's protectors were enhanced, 
community relations were improved, and the NYPD transformed into an 
all-around more effective policing agency.
  But Matarazzo didn't stop there. After retiring from the NYPD and 
giving up his leadership in the PBA, he worked throughout the country 
to support law enforcement professionals, including on Long Island, and 
served as a special adviser to my former union, the New York City 
Detectives' Endowment Association.
  Sadly, on February 12 of this year, Lou Matarazzo passed away, 
leaving behind a loving family and a community in mourning. The 
Rockville Centre and Fourth Congressional District resident left a 
lasting positive influence on New York, the United States, and the law 
enforcement profession throughout this country.
  His professionalism, commitment to duty and excellence in policing 
served as an example to me during my time in the NYPD and helped me 
rise through the ranks to become a detective.
  I will personally miss Lou's leadership, the example he set, and his 
guiding hand in New York. This good and faithful servant completed his 
mission and remained our motto, ``Fidelis Ad Mortem,'' faithful until 
death.
  To the Matarazzo family, please know we will never forget the legend 
that Lou was.

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