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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1091]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF JEFFREY M. CICORA
______
HON. JOHN KATKO
of new york
in the house of representatives
Friday, September 6, 2019
Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of New
York State Police Sergeant/Station Commander Jeffrey M. Cicora, a
beloved father and husband, and dedicated public servant, who passed
away on August 10, 2019. Sergeant Cicora spent 24 years on the New York
State Police force and diligently protected communities throughout New
York State.
Sergeant Cicora was a lifelong member of the Central New York
community and aspired to be a state trooper from an early age. He
graduated from Auburn High School in 1983 and then earned a degree in
criminal justice from Cayuga Community College and public justice from
SUNY Oswego. Upon completing his training in 1992, Sergeant Cicora was
officially sworn in as a New York State Police Trooper.
Sergeant Cicora was stationed at the Baldwinsville State Police
Station for the majority of his career, but his duties called him to
various regions in New York State. During the tragic events of
September 11, 2001, Sergeant Cicora arrived at Ground Zero and assisted
with search and rescue efforts. In the six months following the
attacks, Sergeant Cicora and his K9 partner, Devitt, deployed to New
York City's John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports to ensure traveler
safety. Notably, Sergeant Cicora was awarded the Superintendent's
Commendation Award from the New York State Police for his efforts in
the arrest of an on-the-run fugitive wanted for violent crimes.
Sergeant Cicora and his K9 partner, McGinn, were the first to respond
following the fugitive's attack on two people, then successfully
tracked him through the woods and made an arrest.
Outside his work with the state police, Sergeant Cicora was a
wonderful family man. He deeply loved his wife, Valerie, and son, Jack,
as well as all his extended family members. He was an avid outdoorsman
who enjoyed spending time fishing and boating with his family.
Sergeant Cicora served honorably and, sadly, contracted an illness
stemming from his emergency search and rescue efforts at Ground Zero.
It is essential our nation supports the brave individuals and first
responders who selflessly acted on September 11, 2001 without
reservation. Many of these brave individuals, like Sergeant Cicora,
have developed health conditions from their experiences at Ground Zero.
We owe these individuals an enormous debt of gratitude, and with my
support, the House passed legislation I cosponsored to permanently
reauthorize the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. This bill is now law,
but we must continue to support the brave men and women who responded
on 9/11.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in
honoring the life of Sergeant Jeffrey M. Cicora. A brave member of New
York State's law enforcement community who acted heroically throughout
his career, Sergeant Cicora will truly be missed in the Central New
York community. I ask my colleagues to keep him and his family in mind
as we remember the contributions of this cherished public servant.
____________________
