[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20593]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING OFFICER ROBERT FERRARA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SUE W. KELLY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2005

  Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to honor a dedicated and 
heroic public servant from the Nineteenth Congressional District of New 
York. We nearly lost one of our finest citizens when Town of Chester 
Police Officer Robert Ferrara was critically injured while serving in 
the line of duty.
  Officer Robert Ferrara, age 34, was seriously wounded on the night of 
July 20, 2005, when a drunk driver smashed head-on into his police 
vehicle. He suffered multiple fractures throughout his body including: 
a punctured lung, a ruptured spleen, a lacerated liver, a kidney 
abrasion, and a laceration to his head.
  Officer Ferrara has dutifully served the Town of Chester since 1999 
as a police officer. Previously, he spent 4 years working as a Deputy 
Sheriff with the Orange County Sheriffs Office. In addition to his 
public service, Officer Ferrara is the dedicated father of a 7-year-old 
girl.
  Officer Ferrara's relentless determination and resolve to overcome 
tragedy has served as a guiding light. His willpower and inner strength 
have touched his family, his friends, and even those who never met him 
but have heard of his courage. His community has been inspired by 
Officer Ferrara. Over 200 people recently participated in a blood drive 
in his honor, with some waiting in line for hours.
  Officer Ferrara deserves recognition for he symbolizes the likes of 
an exemplary officer and diligent public servant possessing an 
unwavering commitment to serving others and protecting the well-being 
of the community.

                          ____________________