[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23248]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF THE UNION CITY POLICE OFFICERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 7, 2004

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor several members of 
the Union Police Force. Sergeant Frank Caputo and Police Officers Mike 
Ortega, Joe Botti, Phil Alvarado, Juan Silva, and Eddie Antommarchi 
deserve special recognition for their exceptional bravery and selfless 
service to the citizens of New York and New Jersey in the aftermath of 
the September, 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
  On the morning of September 11, the officers were called upon to 
assist the New York Port Authority in protecting the Lincoln Tunnel 
entrance from potential terrorists by closing it off to all vehicles 
and pedestrians. After securing the entrance, they moved to the New 
York City side to help secure the tunnel and ensure that it, too, was 
closed. In the midst of the chaos that followed the attacks, the 
officers worked diligently to maintain order and safety in their 
stationed areas and to calm frightened citizens. The officers are to be 
commended for their quick response time and their ability to work under 
the most stressful of situations.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sergeant Frank 
Caputo and Police Officers Mike Ortega, Joe Botti, Phil Alvarado, Juan 
Silva, and Eddie Antommarchi for their heroic actions and sense of duty 
during one of America's most difficult times. Their dedicated service 
is a shining example of the quality of character of America's best 
citizens.

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