[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24437]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MR. ROCCO M. MALANGA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 10, 2003

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention an 
exceptional individual, Rocco M. Malanga, who was honored for his 
tireless commitment to serving the members of his community at the 
Columbian Foundation Annual Columbus Day Humanitarian and Achievement 
Awards Dinner on Saturday, October 11, 2003.
  For the past twenty-four years, the thoughts, actions, and deeds of 
Newark (New Jersey) Police Department's Deputy Police Director Rocco 
Malanga have all been directed toward ensuring the continued safety and 
well-being of the men and women of northern New Jersey. It is only 
fitting that he be honored, in this, the permanent record of the 
greatest freely elected body on earth.
  Deputy Police Director Malanga's distinguished career in law 
enforcement began in 1979 when he served as an officer in the 
Bloomfield Police Department. By 1981, Rocco had joined the ranks of 
the Newark Police department and, 2 years later, he became one of the 
first police officers nationwide to be assigned to the Fear-City Task 
Force. Recognized as the first Law Enforcement initiative to address 
quality of life issues in a major United States city, the Fear-City 
Task Force provided ample opportunity for Rocco to witness firsthand 
the day to day needs and concerns of the local community. Rocco 
continued to draw from these experiences three years later, when he was 
assigned to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as 
an undercover officer.
  Despite his noteworthy contributions while serving in the DEA, Rocco 
Malanga returned to the Newark Police Department in 1999 and was 
promoted to the position of Deputy Police Director. Since then, he has 
been involved in all aspects of police administration ranging from 
budget preparation to the introduction of all of the newest 
technological advances to the department. Always keeping the needs of 
his department and his community foremost in mind, Rocco's face has 
become a familiar sight in both Washington, DC, and in Trenton, NJ, 
where he is frequently found lobbying for federal and state grants.
  The services rendered to the people of Essex County by Rocco Malanga 
have been noted and commended by countless law enforcement and 
community organizations. Among the many groups who have gathered to 
honor Rocco Malanga are the Knights of Columbus, the Italian-American 
Police Society of New Jersey, the Hispanic Law Enforcement Society of 
Essex County, the Bronze Shields, and the Honor Legion. Perhaps most 
impressive, however, are the honors that Rocco has received from his 
colleagues and peers: he served as the president of the Newark 
Policeman's Benevolence Association from 1987-1995 and, in 1995, was 
asked to become the Director of the Essex County Department of Public 
Safety.
  Mr. Speaker, the job of a U.S. Congressman involves so much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing individuals who have 
devoted themselves to serving the special needs of the people in their 
community. The strong leadership, integrity, and passion for 
volunteerism that Deputy Police Director Malanga has brought to his 
life and his work is beyond compare.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues and me in gratefully 
recognizing the invaluable services that Rocco M. Malanga has provided 
to the men and women of Essex County.

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