[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23437]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING INSPECTOR CLAUDIO GONZALEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Inspector Claudio 
Gonzalez for his remarkable work with the Union City police force 
throughout his 27-year career. He is being honored today, October 8, 
2004, at a retirement party in Union City, New Jersey.
  After emigrating from Cuba in 1962 and attending school in Jersey 
City, Inspector Gonzalez began his career as a patrolman for the Union 
City Police Department. Since that time, he has held an extensive array 
of positions within the police force, including working as a member of 
the Office of Professional Standards and becoming the first Hispanic 
Lieutenant of Police, Captain of Police, Commander of the 
Investigations Division, and Inspector of Police, which made him the 
highest-ranking Hispanic officer in the State of New Jersey. Inspector 
Gonzalez was known for being a fair, savvy, street-smart officer who 
accelerated in all of his assigned divisions, relying on his impressive 
martial arts training as well as quick thinking to handle difficult 
situations.
  When he was not working to secure the safety of Union City, Inspector 
Gonzalez developed and taught anti-drug programs at local schools. He 
received a proclamation from the New Jersey State Legislature for his 
efforts, which preceded the establishment of D.A.R.E. programs. 
Additionally, he has taught classes to narcotic agents and members of 
the Detectives' Bureau.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Inspector Claudio 
Gonzalez for his leadership and extensive work with the Union City 
Police Department. His courage, contributions to the force, and strong 
commitment are an inspiration to the community.

                          ____________________