[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8676]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            IN COMMEMORATION OF THE FOURTH ANNUAL BLUE MASS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 1999

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to recognize the 
celebration of the Fourth Annual Blue Mass in Worcester County. The 
Diocese of Worcester will host this event on Sunday, May 2, 1999, in 
tribute to all law enforcement personnel who honorably serve our local 
communities.
  A special memorial service will be held prior to the Mass to honor 
those who have died since last year's Blue Mass. Those being remembered 
are Lieutenant Joseph R. Ripel of the Massachusetts State Police, 
Sergeant John J. Lesczynski of Worcester Police Department, and 
Patrolman Mark McEachern of the Boylston Police Department. They served 
with pride and are true role models for our youth.
  Four new awards are being instituted this year in dedication to law 
enforcement.
  The Distinguished Law Enforcement Award will be presented jointly to 
Sergeant Vincent Gorgoglione, Supervisor of the Worcester Police 
Department Domestic Violence Unit and Christine Kelly, Program 
Coordinator for the Worcester Intervention Network.
  The Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement Education will be 
bestowed upon former Attorney General Robert Quinn in recognition of 
the establishment of the Quinn Law.
  The Outstanding Community Service Award is being presented to the 
entire Holden Police Department. The Holden police officers have 
committed themselves to serving the students of Holden, MA. Through 
such programs as the Adopt-A-School Officer for every grade school, 
Thursday night basketball, and public safety days, these officers have 
made outstanding contributions to their town, paying special attention 
to the needs of the student population.
  Finally, the Interfaith Award is being awarded to Lieutenant Paul 
Bozicas of the Fitchburg Police Department, who is active in a variety 
of civic and charitable activities, including the Charity Five Road 
Race, Citizen's Police Academy, and the Department's Employee 
Assistance Unit.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with pride that I rise today to acknowledge the 
Fourth Annual Blue Mass and the law officials being honored. It is a 
befitting celebration to remember and acknowledge those who do so much.

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