[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 18545]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT PAUL STARZYK

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
honoring the memory of a dedicated law enforcement officer, Sergeant 
Paul Starzyk of the city of Martinez Police Department. For the past 12 
years, Sergeant Starzyk worked tirelessly to provide the citizens of 
Martinez with safety and service. On September 6, 2008, Sergeant 
Starzyk was tragically killed in the line of duty.
  Sergeant Starzyk, an Antioch resident, worked as a banker and at a 
local soup kitchen before he became active in law enforcement. He was 
hired by the city of Martinez Police Department as a Reserve Officer in 
1992 and became a Police Officer in December 1994. After a brief period 
with the Pleasant Hill Police Department, Sergeant Starzyk came back to 
the Martinez Police Department in April 1997 and was promoted to 
sergeant in December 2007.
  A member of the Central Contra Costa Narcotics Enforcement Team and a 
former SWAT team leader, Sergeant Starzyk was renowned for his 
leadership skills among fellow officers. Throughout his career, 
Sergeant Starzyk demonstrated a passion for law enforcement and 
commitment to helping others, qualities that enabled him to become a 
respected and model member of the Martinez Police Department. Sergeant 
Starzyk's colleagues will always remember him for his professionalism 
and devotion to serving the public.
  Sergeant Starzyk was a loving husband, proud father, and devoted 
friend. He is survived by his wife Shannon, a Contra Costa County 
sheriff's deputy, and three young children. Sergeant Starzyk served the 
city of Martinez with honor and dignity, and his contributions to his 
community and the many lives that he touched will serve as a shining 
example of his legacy.
  We will always be grateful for Sergeant Starzyk's service and the 
valor that he displayed while serving and protecting the people of 
Martinez.

                          ____________________