[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6815]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO SIGNAL HILL POLICE OFFICER ANTHONY GINIEWICZ ON THE OCCASION 
    OF BEING ADDED TO NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL WALL OF HONOR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, later today the name of Anthony 
Giniewicz of Signal Hill, California, will be added to the National 
Peace Officers Memorial Wall of Honor. The National Law Enforcement 
Officers Memorial is the nation's monument to law enforcement officers 
who have died in the line of duty. Officer Giniewicz, who served on the 
Signal Hill Police Department, died on December 7, 2011, as a result of 
gunshot wounds sustained 26 years earlier during an exchange of gunfire 
with gang members. He will be enshrined on the Memorial Wall of Honor 
with 361 other peace officers who died in the line of duty in 2011, 19 
of whom are from California.
  Dedicated on October 15, 1991, the Memorial honors Federal, State and 
local law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for 
the safety and protection of our Nation and its people. Carved on its 
walls are the names of more than 19,000 officers who have been killed 
in the line of duty throughout U.S. history, dating back to the first 
known death in 1791.
  On February 19, 1985, Officer Giniewicz and his partner were accosted 
by three gang members while off duty in Signal Hill, California. When 
Officer Giniewicz identified himself as a police officer the assailants 
opened fired and shot him multiple times. Miraculously, Officer 
Giniewicz survived the shooting but was paralyzed from the waist. He 
spend the next 26 years as a paraplegic and underwent multiple 
surgeries before succumbing on December 7, 2011 due to complications 
from his injuries.
  It is fitting recognition of Officer Giniewicz's heroism that his 
name will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial 
Wall during the National Peace Officers Memorial Service.
  Officer Giniewicz was more than a police officer, he was a dedicated 
father, son, brother, friend, and role model to his colleagues on the 
Signal Hill Police Department. Although his injuries were severe and 
followed him throughout his life, he fought through it and was still 
able to enjoy many of the activities he loved before the shooting. 
Officer Giniewicz was a 35-year member of the Blue Knights Law 
Enforcement Motorcycle Club, as well as a lifetime member of the 
National Rifle Association.
  Mr. Speaker, Officer Anthony Giniewicz epitomized everything that is 
good and true and great about America. He was brave and kind and 
fearless and devoted to serving others. He is survived by his mother, 
Nellie; son, Anthony Aleksandr; stepson, John; stepdaughter, Barbara; 
former wife, Barbara; six sisters Paula, Linda, Elaine, Christine, 
Diane and Laurie; and two grandchildren Katelyn and Marissa.
  As a member of the Law Enforcement Caucus and the representative in 
Congress of Signal Hill, California, I am saddened at the loss of 
Officer Anthony Giniewicz but proud to represent the police department 
Officer Giniewicz served with such distinction. I am honored to 
represent the people of the 37th Congressional District of California 
in paying tribute to the 362 fallen heroes who will be joining the more 
than 19,000 gallant men and women who gave the last full measure of 
devotion to the communities they took an oath to protect and serve.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence in memory of Officer 
Anthony Giniewicz and every other man and woman whose name graces the 
National Peace Officers Memorial Wall of Honor.

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