[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14920]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO STEVEN RUFFIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 8, 2004

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Steven Ruffin in 
recognition of his tireless efforts to strengthen the community through 
his work as a member of the New York City Police Department.
  Steven Ruffin was born and raised in the Bedford Stuyvesant community 
in Brooklyn. He is the oldest of four children. His interests include 
jazz, Afro-centric art, sports and working with the community.
  He was appointed to the New York City Police Department on January 
21, 1985 and was assigned to the Neighborhood Stabilization Unit, where 
he performed foot patrol within the 73rd, 75th and the 81st precincts.
  In January 1985, Officer Ruffin was assigned to the 79th precinct. He 
performed patrol duties there for ten years. Later, in 1995, he was 
assigned as the Explorer/Auxiliary Coordinator, making him responsible 
for the supervision of the Explorer and Auxiliary members.
  For the past four years, Officer Ruffin's experience and expertise 
has resulted in improved community relations. He has accomplished this 
by developing a prosperous partnership between the community and the 
79th precinct, which has been instrumental in closing the gap between 
the community and police. He encourages his fellow officers to become 
more involved and concerned with the neighborhood in the area they 
serve and protect.
  Officer Ruffin has also successfully collaborated with local 
officials, neighborhood organizations, schools, and churches in Bedford 
Stuyvesant to strengthen the community. He has also played an active 
role in organizing youth programs, parades, demonstrations, rallies, 
and various events. For all of his contributions, Officer Ruffin has 
received numerous awards for his community service.
  Mr. Speaker, Steven Ruffin has dedicated both his professional and 
personal life to strengthening the community. As such, he is more than 
worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues to 
join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

                          ____________________