[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING THE DOVER POLICE DEPARTMENT ON 100 YEARS OF SERVICE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Delaware (Ms. McBride) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. McBRIDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the 
Dover Police Department on 100 years of service to the capital of 
Delaware.
  Beginning in 1925, with a mere two-room office in the basement of 
city hall, over the past 100 years, the department has grown to more 
than 100 officers, as well as professional support staff divided over 
three divisions and nine functional units.
  Led by their 15th chief, Thomas A. Johnson, Jr., these dedicated 
public servants put their lives on the line every day to protect public 
safety and support victims of crime in Delaware's second largest city.
  In all they do, Dover Police are ingrained in the community, working 
alongside our educators, health professionals, nonprofits, and business 
partners, as well as regional, State, and Federal law enforcement 
partners. Their commitment to community policing and their behavioral 
health unit reinforces their compassionate and holistic approach to 
public safety.
  On the centennial of the Dover Police Department, I thank the heroes 
who have donned the badge with honor, courage, and unwavering 
commitment to Dover.
  A grateful State wishes the Dover Police Department a happy 
centennial.


                       Recognizing Paul Calistro

  Ms. McBRIDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the commitment of 
a dedicated community leader, Paul Calistro, to the State of Delaware. 
A former mayor of Newport, Delaware, Paul has been the executive 
director of West End Neighborhood House in Wilmington since 1991, 
working tirelessly to provide direct programs, services, support, and 
advocacy to Delawareans, their families, and our broader community.
  For more than 140 years, the West End Neighborhood House has 
empowered generations of Delawareans to become and remain self-
sufficient. Under Paul's leadership, West End has grown their impact, 
helping over 10,000 Delawareans each year. They provide meals, place 
people in long-term employment, secure stable housing, and teach 
critical skills to community members.
  While the backbone of that work is the dedicated team of staff and 
volunteers at West End, at the heart of that work is the big heart of 
Paul Calistro. When being honored several years ago, Paul said that 
somebody has got to stand up and be an advocate for people who can't 
speak.
  Whether they are a youth aging out of foster care or a single mom 
trying to get a good-paying job, Paul is an advocate for those too 
often left behind. Ever the selfless leader, as Paul celebrates his 
birthday this week, instead of asking for anything himself, he has 
asked people to support youth in foster care.
  While Paul celebrates his birthday by supporting others, a grateful 
State celebrates Paul for his ongoing commitment to making Delaware a 
place that more fully lives up to our values as a State of neighbors.

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