[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 778-779]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO WALTER W. PORTER, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 25, 2005

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
life and work of a man who I am proud to represent in Congress and 
prouder still to call a friend, Walter W. Porter, Jr. I have worked 
with Walter closely over the years and can say without reservation Mr. 
Speaker, that you would be hard pressed to find an individual more 
committed to improving the lives of those in his community than Walter 
Porter.
  A life-long resident of my hometown, Paterson, New Jersey, Walter 
Porter has had an extensive career in public service. Matriculating 
from the Paterson Public School System, Walter met and married his wife 
Mildred shortly after graduating from Eastside High School. Walter 
Porter's life has long been intertwined with public service. His 
selfless devotion to others began when he entered into the Army to 
fight in World War II. As an Infantry Combat Officer, Water earned a 
Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge and Purple Heart for his heroic 
actions.
  Upon returning from the frontlines of the Battle of the Bulge, Walter 
joined the Paterson Police Department. It was during his tenure as a 
motorcycle officer that Walter came to be

[[Page 779]]

known around town as a ``straight shooter and a man of the people.'' 
The knowledge and experiences Walter gained on the streets of Paterson 
laid the foundation for the many successful years of public service 
ahead.
  Remaining in the law enforcement sector, Walter transferred to the 
Passaic County Prosecutor's Office where he rose to the rank of 
Captain. After a long and successful tenure with the Prosecutor's 
Office, Walter retired in 1979. However, he would not rest on his 
laurels. The year following his retirement, Walter ran for a seat on 
the Passaic County Board of chosen Freeholders.
  After a successful bid for Freeholder, Walter began to work 
diligently on behalf of the people of Passaic County. Throughout his 
tenure on the Board of Chosen Freeholders Walter Porter has been a 
steady supporter of the law enforcement community, veterans groups and 
the senior citizen community of Passaic County.
  Chosen by his colleagues on the Freeholder Board, Walter has served 
four one-year terms as Freeholder Director. Additionally, he has served 
on each of the committees within the Freeholder Board. His professional 
demeanor and commitment to good government earned Walter the moniker, 
``Dean of the Board of Freeholders.''
  Walter's tireless devotion to serving the people of Passaic County 
extends far beyond his life as a public official. He is a co-founder of 
the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson, a Life Member of Elks Lodge #60 and 
a member of several veterans' organizations.
  His continued support of the law enforcement community has earned 
Walter many accolades from various groups. The Paterson Police 
Benevolent Association presented Mr. Porter, a past president of the 
association, the Lifetime Silver PBA Card. Additionally he is an 
Honorary Chief of the Passaic County Chiefs Association.
  Walter Porter will be deeply missed on the Passaic County Board of 
Chosen Freeholders. His legacy of integrity, devotion and commitment to 
his community will carry on in all of the wonderful accomplishments he 
saw come to fruition during his tenure in public service.
  Mr. Speaker, the job of a United States Congressman involves so much 
that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing the 
extraordinary efforts of public servants like Walter Porter. I ask that 
you join our colleagues, Walter's family and friends, a grateful County 
of Passaic, New Jersey and me in recognizing Walter W. Porter, Jr. for 
his long history of leadership and community service.

                          ____________________