Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Page S2501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
______
REMEMBERING WILLIAM SEALOCK
Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the
distinguished life and career of Aliquippa Chief of Police Robert
William Sealock, who passed away on April 11, 2020.
Chief Sealock dedicated his life in service to his community, his
Commonwealth, and his country. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he later
served as a police officer in the Borough of Bridgewater and Crescent
and Center Townships, located in Allegheny and Beaver counties in
western Pennsylvania. At the time of his passing, he was the chief of
police for the city of Aliquippa. Beginning as a patrolman and working
his way up through the ranks of the Aliquippa Police Force over a
period of 23 years, he assumed the role of chief of police in 2018.
Chief Sealock was a graduate of Moon Area High School and became a
member of the Fraternal Order of Police James Naim Memorial Lodge No.
26 as well as a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 672.
Chief Sealock's leadership has been widely praised by both the public
and his peers in the law enforcement community. At a time when his
community faced a surge in crime and an understaffed police force,
Chief Sealock stepped up to meet the challenge. In just a few short
years, Chief Sealock enhanced the reputation of the police department
by working tirelessly to rebuild trust and bridge the gap between local
law enforcement and the community it served. He also instituted several
programs across multiple city offices that were designed to reach
Aliquippa's youth and increase participation in group activities.
Chief Sealock led by example. He recognized and understood how
important it was to police officers to have the support of their chief
and his hands-on approach inspired confidence. As a result, his fellow
officers had tremendous respect for his leadership and endearingly
referred to him as a ``cop's cop.''
Tragically, Chief Sealock suffered a medical emergency while on duty
which led to his passing. His dedication to the Aliquippa Police
Department, his beloved community, his family, and country were guided
by a sincere commitment to public service and improving the lives of
people he encountered. He will be remembered for his compassion, loving
spirit, and warm personality, and his legacy will be felt for many
years to come.
I extend my thoughts and prayers to his devoted wife, Donna; his
daughter and son-in-law Taylor Sealock-Smith and husband Taner; two
stepchildren Jonathan Peterson and Stephanie Snyder, Leslie Patterson
and husband Derek Trohaugh; his parents Patricia and James Blaha; his
sister Colleen Sealock; his father and mother-in-law William and
Dorothy Fontana; and all of Chief Sealock's family and friends as they
mourn his loss.
____________________
