[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21929]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING HARRY DeBENEDET AS HE IS NAMED ST. MICHAEL'S ``MAN OF THE 
                                 YEAR''

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2003

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
join the congregation of St. Michael Church in New Haven and pay 
tribute to an outstanding member of our community and my dear friend, 
Harry DeBenedet, as he is honored with the ``Man of the Year'' Award.
  Throughout his life, Harry has shown a unique dedication to the City 
of New Haven and its residents. A native son of the City, he has and 
continues to enrich the lives of many through both his professional and 
personal contributions. We are fortunate to have such a person who so 
willingly gives of himself to ensure the betterment of our community.
  In a career that has spanned over three decades, Harry has been a 
member of both the New Haven Police Department and the Yale University 
Police. As a law enforcement officer, he has dedicated his career to 
serving and protecting our families and neighborhoods. The myriad of 
awards and citations which he has earned are a reflection of his 
commitment and outstanding service to our community.
  During his twenty years with the New Haven Police Department, Harry 
served in many divisions. For twenty-five years he was a member of the 
Bomb Squad where he was cited for co-inventing several tools, which 
continue to be utilized across the country, designed to allow for a 
safer approach to explosive devices. Upon his retirement from the New 
Haven Police Department, Harry joined the Yale University Police 
Department where he continues to serve today. Among others, Harry also 
serves on the Mayor's Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee, 
the Yale Emergency Planning Committee, and the New Haven Terrorist Task 
Force.
  Beyond his professional contributions, Harry has always generously 
donated his time and energies to local charitable organizations. Among 
many others, he has long been an advocate, fundraiser, and vocal 
supporter for the St. Jude's Hospital, the Marine Cadets of America, 
New Haven Teen Challenge, and the Leukemia Society. Harry has touched 
the lives of thousands and has left an indelible mark on this 
community.
  It is an honor for me to stand today to extend my sincere thanks and 
appreciation to Harry DeBenedet for his countless contributions as he 
is named St. Michael's ``Man of the Year.'' He has made such a 
difference and the City of New Haven is indeed a better place because 
of his good work.

                          ____________________