[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 20156-20157]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO POLICE OFFICER RUSSEL TIMOSHENKO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VITO FOSSELLA

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2007

  Mr. FOSSELLA. Madam Speaker, just over a week ago, the city of New 
York lost one of its brave heroes. Police officer Russel Timoshenko of 
Staten Island was murdered in cold blood by a career criminal during 
what should have been a routine traffic stop in Brooklyn. He was only 
23.
  Officer Timoshenko was also a constituent of mine, and his death 
reminds us how precious life is . . . and how it can be stolen from us 
in an instant.
  Officer Timoshenko embodied the American dream. He was born and 
raised in the former Soviet republic Belarus. His parents, Tatyana and 
Leonid, brought him to this country as a young boy in 1993 to give him 
a better life. They didn't speak English and arrived with almost 
nothing--all for their son. Russel grew up in Staten Island and, 
ultimately, chose to give back to the city he loved so much. He joined 
the New York City Police Department just over a year and a half ago.
  Much has been said about this brave young man. His friends and family 
have told us what an amazing person he was and how much he meant to 
them. But it is the words of his mother that speak volumes about 
Officer Timoshenko. So tonight, I wish to enter into the Congressional 
Record what Tatyana Timoshenko said about a proud American . . . a hero 
police officer . . . her beloved son.
  Speaking of their decision to immigrate to the United States: ``I 
felt my child would have

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better opportunities here and a safer life. We were looking for a 
better life for our son . . . We wouldn't move just for us. We didn't 
speak English. We came here with nothing but six bags--two each . . . 
Do I regret it? A little, but at the same time, would he be the same 
person he is today if we didn't leave? I don't know . . . I know he was 
happy here.''
  Of the kind of person that her son was during his short life: ``He 
never walked the stairs, he just flew up, skipping a step . . . And 
this flying, his steps, I can't forget them, I still hear them. I still 
can't believe it . . . He was truly unique. I want him to be remembered 
as a jolly, funny, kind boy. He was a leader and a hero.''
  Remembering the day her son became a member of the New York City 
Police Department: ``We ordered sushi. It was a real holiday for him . 
. . He was really proud. I wanted him to be happy in life. He went to 
the academy, and I didn't want him to, but it made him happy.''
   And finally on the passing of her son: ``I'm happy that we had such 
a miraculous child. That he died, it struck me in the heart, but there 
is nothing we can do now.''
  For Russel Timoshenko, his life was lost much too early. I offer my 
condolences to the Timoshenko family. My words cannot possibly ease 
your suffering or bring light to these dark days, but I want you to 
know that we grieve with your family . . . say a prayer for healing . . 
. honor Russel and his service to New York . . . and thank you for 
raising a young man of immense character and integrity.

                          ____________________