Rep. Gillen Honors Detective Patrick Franzone During National Police Week, Reaffirms Support for Law Enforcement
A video of the full remarks is available HERE.
WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) honored the heroism and legacy of U.S. Marine veteran and Freeport Police Department Detective Patrick Franzone on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives during National Police Week. Joined by her Law Enforcement Caucus colleagues, Rep. Gillen thanked law enforcement officers across the country for their service and reaffirmed her commitment to delivering the resources they need.
Detective Franzone proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1986 to 1990, attaining the rank of Sergeant, before dedicating more than 33 years to the Village of Freeport Police Department. Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he bravely assisted with search and recovery at Ground Zero as a first responder. In 2025, Detective Franzone passed away from cancer associated with toxic exposure at Ground Zero.
Since taking office, Rep. Gillen has been a strong advocate for law enforcement. This week, Rep. Gillen introduced the bipartisan Officer Wellness and Peer Support Act with Congressman John Rutherford (R-FL-05), to identify barriers to mental health support for officers. As a member of the Law Enforcement Caucus, Gillen has cosponsored the Protect and Serve Act, Invest to Protect Act and the HERO Act, which aims to improve the detection, prevention and treatment of mental health issues among public safety officers. Rep. Gillen also recently announced over $1 million in federal funding for the Village of Rockville Centre to install high-grade security cameras, helping the Rockville Centre Police Department protect residents and businesses. She continues to advocate for greater funding through the federal appropriations process for police departments across NY-04.
(Remarks as prepared for delivery)
Thank you, M. Speaker.
I rise today to honor the brave law enforcement officers on Long Island and across the country who we have lost, and the men and women who continue to serve and protect.
I want to thank my colleagues in the bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus, Representatives Rutherford and Gottheimer, for organizing this time during National Police Week to remember these heroes.
M. Speaker, every day, our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.
They do so not knowing if they will return home safely to their loved ones.
During National Police Week, we thank and honor the law enforcement officers who gave their lives to protect us.
This month, I had the privilege to join my colleagues to lay a wreath at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and honor the 363 officers we lost this past year.
It is our solemn duty to ensure that their sacrifice and contributions are never forgotten.
Among the American heroes we lost last year was Police Detective Patrick Franzone of the Freeport Police Department from New York’s Fourth Congressional District.
A U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who grew up in Freeport, Detective Franzone's life was defined by service to his fellow Americans and his community.
He served in law enforcement for more than 30 years and shared his devotion to Freeport families outside of work as the Chairman of Toys for Freeport Tots.
Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Detective Franzone bravely assisted with search and recovery at Ground Zero as a first responder.
On September 18, 2025, he tragically passed away from cancer associated with his heroic work amid the toxic rubble after that dark day.
His passing is a painful reminder of what our first responders’ lasting contributions can cost.
Detective Franzone was a friend to all who knew him, a devoted father and true American hero.
We will never forget his service to his fellow New Yorkers or our great nation.
We will ensure his legacy lives on.
M. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in remembering Detective Patrick William Franzone of Freeport, New York.
Thousands of our heroic law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel continue to suffer from debilitating conditions from toxins at Ground Zero.
That’s why I was proud to help advance bipartisan legislation to permanently fund the World Trade Center Health Program.
I will continue to fight for the resources our law enforcement needs to keep themselves and our communities safe.
Whether it is for more crime-fighting technology and COPS Hiring Grants funding or improving access to mental health resources, including peer-to-peer support, through my bipartisan bill, which I introduced this week with Congressman Rutherford.
We must always have their backs.
Our families can sleep knowing that the brave men and women in uniform are protecting them, watching our streets and safeguarding our communities.
Thank you to each of our law enforcement officers on Long Island and across our country.
We owe you a great debt of gratitude.
I yield back the balance of my time.
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