[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 105 (Friday, June 21, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E652-E653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING BUCKS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE BUCKS COUNTY CHIEF 
              OF DETECTIVES MARTIN McDONOUGH'S RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 21, 2024

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a profound sense of 
admiration and gratitude to recognize an exceptional constituent from 
my district, Detective Martin McDonough of the Bucks County Police 
Department who is retiring after over three decades of unwavering 
dedication to the wellbeing of citizens in the community.
  Martin is a native of Holland, Pennsylvania. In addition to his 
studies at Spring Garden College and Temple University, his commitment 
to professional growth led him to achieve a remarkable milestone in 
2015 when he graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy. This 
achievement not only showcased his relentless pursuit of excellence but 
also underscored his resolve for helping others. Detective McDonough 
eventually settled in Jamison, where he and his wife of nearly forty 
years, Joanne, still live today. It was here

[[Page E653]]

where they raised their two daughters, Megan and Emily. Their steadfast 
support has undoubtedly provided a foundation that allows Martin to 
serve to the best of his ability.
  Detective McDonough has always been called to a life of service. 
Martin's journey in public service began as a member of the Warwick 
Township Fire Company. In 1981, he took the first steps towards his 
lifelong commitment to public safety by joining the esteemed ranks of 
the Northampton Township Fire Department, where he has served as a 
dedicated firefighter for over 40 years. His selfless contributions to 
the fire department exemplify his commitment to safeguarding the lives 
and property of our community members.
  Transitioning seamlessly from firefighting to law enforcement, Martin 
embarked on a distinguished career within various Police Departments. 
During his tenure, Detective McDonough has held titles of dispatcher, 
patrolman, detective, and later chief of detectives, demonstrating 
exemplary leadership and integrity at every turn. Martin worked as a 
dispatcher for Northampton Township for five years before becoming a 
patrol officer in Warrington Township in 1987. A year later he joined 
the Warwick Township Police Department where he climbed the ranks from 
Patrolman, Corporal, Detective, and lastly to Detective Sergeant. He 
dedicated 13 years of tireless service to this department, touching 
numerous lives in the community.
  In 2000, Detective McDonough's career led him to the Bucks County 
District Attorney's office where he was a county detective for nineteen 
years. His unparalleled investigative skills and unwavering dedication 
to justice distinguished him as a formidable force against crime. After 
that committed time of service, Detective McDonough received a much-
deserved promotion, receiving the new role of Chief of Detectives. In 
his new role, McDonough directed a diverse unit composed of 23 
detectives including members of a drug strike force, who led or 
assisted municipal departments in the investigations of the county's 
highest-profile and most complex criminal cases. This enormous 
responsibility was a testament to Detective McDonough's exceptional 
capabilities and leadership, earning him the respect and admiration of 
his colleagues and community members alike.
  I am eternally grateful to Detective McDonough for the life of 
committed service he has given to our community, district, and country. 
His selfless career is a shining example of civic stewardship that the 
next generations of law enforcement should strive to emulate. His 
leadership was instrumental in ensuring both the safety and security of 
our community. While Martin's presence will be sorely missed, I am 
excited for his entry into this new chapter and extend my heartfelt 
thanks and congratulations to Detective Martin McDonough on his well-
deserved retirement.

                          ____________________