[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 194 (Tuesday, November 18, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H4711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1015
                  HONORING THE LIFE OF ROCCO J. DIINA

  (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with both 
gratitude and a heavy heart to honor the extraordinary life of a dear 
friend, a devoted public servant, and a guardian of our community, 
former Buffalo Police Commissioner Rocco J. Diina, who passed away on 
October 5 at the age of 75.
  Commissioner Diina was a pillar of western New York, a man whose 
leadership, character, and compassion shaped our great city. His legacy 
is etched in the lives he protected, the hope he restored, the 
community he made safer each and every day, and the family and friends 
that he loved.
  Rocco grew up on Tacoma Avenue in north Buffalo, the middle of three 
brothers, in a proud, hardworking family rooted in faith, service, and 
devotion to community. Those values guided his life and charted the 
course of his calling.
  At just 18 years old, he walked through the doors of the Buffalo 
Police Department as a cadet. He wasn't drawn to the badge for prestige 
or distinction. He answered the call out of duty, earning a reputation 
for trust and honesty.
  After two decades in uniform and a distinguished career of serving 
and protecting the great City of Good Neighbors, Rocco retired, though 
anyone who knew him knew he would not stay away for long.
  In 1994, his lifelong friend, Mayor Anthony Masiello, called him back 
to serve, this time as deputy police commissioner.
  Mr. Speaker, 4 years later, he became the city of Buffalo's police 
commissioner. In that role, Commissioner Diina didn't just lead the 
department; he transformed it. He brought innovation and modernization 
to the department and streamlined precinct operations. He opened doors 
once closed, appointing the city's first African-American woman to 
serve as deputy commissioner, an act of leadership that strengthened 
both the department and our city.
  Among his proudest achievements was reopening the Buffalo Police 
Athletic League, a program built on the belief that trust is forged not 
through authority but through relationships.
  Through sports, mentorship, and guidance, PAL created a bridge 
between law enforcement and young people who were yearning for 
opportunity and connection. Today, it serves more than 20,000 children 
each year, a living testament to the enduring impact of Rocco's vision.
  For Commissioner Diina, public safety was about restoring hope, 
investing in youth, and strengthening the bond between community and 
those sworn to serve it.
  Beyond every title and every professional achievement stood the role 
he cherished most: that of husband, father, and grandfather. He met the 
love of his life, Anna Marie, at a hot dog stand at Crystal Beach, and 
the rest was history.
  For more than 50 years, they built a family grounded in love, 
laughter, and loyalty. Together, they raised two exceptional children, 
Rebecca and Rocco Jr., and delighted in the joy of five grandchildren, 
the light of their lives and the pride of their hearts.
  Rocco was a steadfast leader who was tough when duty demanded it and 
compassionate when humanity required it. Even after stepping out of 
public office, his mission never changed. Rocco founded RJD Security, 
growing it from a small startup into one of western New York's most 
trusted security firms. In doing so, he continued to do what had always 
driven him: protecting people, supporting local businesses, and 
safeguarding the places that make community possible.
  We honor Commissioner Rocco Diina for the department he strengthened, 
the neighborhoods and the city that he made safer, and for reminding us 
what true leadership looks like: service before self, strength without 
ego, and kindness without hesitation.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his remarkable 
life. We offer our deepest condolences to the Diina family, who shared 
him so generously with all of us.
  May we strive to emulate his leadership with integrity, his service 
with humility, and his love and unwavering devotion to our community.
  On behalf of the grateful city of Buffalo, the western New York 
community, and the Nation, may Commissioner Rocco J. Diina rest in 
peace.

                          ____________________