Recognizing Officer Joseph Bologna
Floor Speech
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Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the service of one of my constituents, Officer Joseph Bologna, from the New Port Richey Police Department. Officer Bologna has been with the New Port Richey Police Department's K9 unit since July 2021 when he transferred from the Oviedo Police Department with more than ten years of service. He was one of the initial first law enforcement teams to respond to the Pulse Night Club shooting, and used that experience to help make him an even better officer. Officer Bologna's true passion is being a K9 handler and trainer. He has trained police K9s for approximately 13 years and is state-certified. He has assisted with ten State of Florida-certified K9 patrol schools. Additionally, he has trained with national K9 training associations throughout the United States. He feels the best part of being a K9 team is the apprehension of multiple dangerous suspects, removing large amounts of narcotics off the street, and participating in community events. He has also had the honor of assisting federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. Officer Bologna is so well received in the department that he had three separate nominations from supervisors for the department's Officer of the Year Award. Officer Bologna's performance on the street, community involvement, and city representation have been stellar. Officer Bologna is a wonderful family man who enjoys being with his wife and wonderful sons. Officer Bologna is busy learning about his latest addition to his family, the New Port Richey Police Department's newest K9, Rex. Rex is still a puppy and attending Patrol School, pending his graduation this month. These are just a few examples of the hard work, dedication, eagerness to help, and servant leadership that Officer Bologna exhibits every day he comes to work. Officer Bologna is a shining example of what it means to be a New Port Richey Law Enforcement Officer. His work ethic should be a benchmark for which other law enforcement officers should strive to attain. It is evident that Officer Bologna has made a profoundly positive impact on our community and is qualified to be recognized as a First Responder of the Year for Florida's 12th Congressional District.
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