[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 88 (Tuesday, May 21, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING OFFICER JOSEPH BOLOGNA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 2024

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
service of one of my constituents, Officer Joseph Bologna, from the New 
Port Richey Police Department. Officer Bologna has been with the New 
Port Richey Police Department's K9 unit since July 2021 when he 
transferred from the Oviedo Police Department with more than ten years 
of service. He was one of the initial first law enforcement teams to 
respond to the Pulse Night Club shooting, and used that experience to 
help make him an even better officer. Officer Bologna's true passion is 
being a K9 handler and trainer. He has trained police K9s for 
approximately 13 years and is state-certified. He has assisted with ten 
State of Florida-certified K9 patrol schools. Additionally, he has 
trained with national K9 training associations throughout the United 
States. He feels the best part of being a K9 team is the apprehension 
of multiple dangerous suspects, removing large amounts of narcotics off 
the street, and participating in community events. He has also had the 
honor of assisting federal agencies, including the Department of 
Homeland Security. Officer Bologna is so well received in the 
department that he had three separate nominations from supervisors for 
the department's Officer of the Year Award. Officer Bologna's 
performance on the street, community involvement, and city 
representation have been stellar. Officer Bologna is a wonderful family 
man who enjoys being with his wife and wonderful sons. Officer Bologna 
is busy learning about his latest addition to his family, the New Port 
Richey Police Department's newest K9, Rex. Rex is still a puppy and 
attending Patrol School, pending his graduation this month. These are 
just a few examples of the hard work, dedication, eagerness to help, 
and servant leadership that Officer Bologna exhibits every day he comes 
to work. Officer Bologna is a shining example of what it means to be a 
New Port Richey Law Enforcement Officer. His work ethic should be a 
benchmark for which other law enforcement officers should strive to 
attain. It is evident that Officer Bologna has made a profoundly 
positive impact on our community and is qualified to be recognized as a 
First Responder of the Year for Florida's 12th Congressional District.

                          ____________________