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[Page H9227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1015
RECOGNIZING MIKE CLARK
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick) for 5 minutes.
Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the well-
earned retirement of Northampton Township Chief of Police Mike Clark.
Chief Clark has served the people of Northampton Township for 47 years
and as our chief of police since 2013.
For the first 26 years of his service, Chief Clark served on the
patrol division, on SWAT, and the detective department, giving him a
wide range of experiences within the police force.
Earlier this year, under the leadership of Chief Clark, the
department earned an accreditation from the Pennsylvania Law
Enforcement Accreditation Commission, an achievement realized by just
10 percent of the State's 1,200 police departments.
Chief Clark works to make the department more active in the
community, to increase his office's interaction with the people they
work to protect. His Coffee with the Cops initiative created personal
connections between the police officers and the public. And under his
leadership, the department created a Facebook page to keep the public
informed.
Mr. Speaker, we want to thank Chief Clark for his hard work and
dedication to the people of Northampton Township. Because of the
actions of Chief Clark and his officers, Northampton is safer and
happier for everybody who resides there.
Chief Clark, we thank you for your service, and we hope you enjoy
your well-earned retirement.
Honoring Thomas Hecker
Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of
Thomas Hecker of Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Mr. Hecker passed away
surrounded by his family at the age of 72.
Tom was born in Philadelphia and raised in Langhorne. He graduated
from Bishop Egan High School and received his undergraduate degree from
La Salle University, both my alma maters. After receiving his law
degree from Villanova University, he joined the law firm of Begley,
Carlin & Mandio, where he faithfully worked as a partner until his
passing.
Tom was a man of devout faith. Tom volunteered at his church as a
lector and a Eucharistic minister visiting the homebound.
Tom had a zest for life, which was often expressed through the
twinkle in his eyes that we all saw every time we saw him. Tom
cherished his family and friends, and he loved to socialize and connect
with them over a meal and a good bottle of wine.
Tom was notorious for his Eagles Sunday football parties and even
created bleachers in his house for game days. Tom was also a golf
enthusiast.
You could often find Tom in the summer at his beach house. He lived
by the motto, ``Smile, you are in Sea Isle City.''
Mr. Speaker, our deepest condolences go out to his entire family and
friends. Tom is now enjoying his eternal reward for a life he spent
serving others.
Honoring Bob Godshall
Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of
former Pennsylvania State Representative Bob Godshall who passed away
before the Thanksgiving holiday. Bob represented the 53rd District
honorably for 36 years and retired in 2018.
Bob Godshall was born in Franconia, Pennsylvania, on the family farm
where he lived until his passing. He was a proud graduate of Souderton
High School and Juniata College in Huntingdon. As an adult, he helped
run the family farm's poultry operation, served on the Souderton area
school board, and was a former Montgomery County controller.
In the State House, Bob served as the chairman of the Consumer
Affairs Committee, following his tenure as chairman of the Tourism and
Recreational Development Committee. He frequently worked across the
aisle to push legislation that protected consumers, boosted tourism
across the State, and benefited the people of Montgomery County.
Mr. Speaker, no matter the politics, Bob put his community first. Bob
worked tirelessly to bring better jobs, safety, and improved
infrastructure to our community. Bob was great man and a dedicated
public servant, and as long as good, honest individuals like him work
to serve the people, we can look forward to the future.
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