June 15, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 110 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE CAREER OF OFFICER JOHN M. PRASKEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 15, 2020

  Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Officer 
John M. Praskey, who will celebrate 50 years of service in law 
enforcement on June 29, 2020. Throughout his career, Officer Praskey 
has demonstrated profound courage and a strong commitment to public 
safety.
  Officer Praskey began his career in law enforcement when he graduated 
from the New York State Police Academy on October 30, 1970. Ascending 
the ranks in the New York State Police, he was promoted to Sergeant in 
September 1978 and again in October 1984 to Station Commander. As a 
State Trooper, he has served a leading role in several homicide, armed 
robbery, and attempted murder cases. Notably, during the tragic events 
of September 11th, 2001, Officer Praskey directed and coordinated New 
York State Police response efforts in New York City.
  Following his retirement from the New York State Police after 34 
years, Officer Praskey joined the Liverpool Police Department as a 
part-time police officer. With the Liverpool Police, he has received 
numerous awards and has taken many actions that have garnered him the 
respect of his colleagues and the community. In 2006, Officer Praskey 
was dispatched to a house fire on Wyker Circle where a man was trapped 
inside. Arriving ahead of the Fire Department, without hesitation, 
Officer Praskey entered the burning house and rescued the resident. 
More recently, in 2018, while handling an investigation into a stolen 
bicycle, he arranged for a bicycle to be donated to the victim after 
learning he depended on it for transportation. Similarly, when Officer 
Praskey came across a stranded motorist that had run out of fuel, he 
gave the individual $10 of his own money for gas.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in 
recognizing the career of Officer John M. Praskey. As a dedicated 
public servant, I wish Officer Praskey the best in his continued 
service.

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