The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE REDEDICATION OF THE TOWN OF TONAWANDA POLICE
HEADQUARTERS AS THE ``FRANK H. PFONNER PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING''
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HON. BRIAN HIGGINS
of new york
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the rededication of the Town of Tonawanda Police Headquarters as the
``Frank H. Pfonner Public Safety Building,'' in honor of Police Officer Frank H. Pfonner. Officer Pfonner, the only Town of Tonawanda Police Officer to have been killed in the line of duty.
Frank was born in June of 1893 to George and Elisabeth Pfonner. He was raised on the Pfonner family farm, located where Military Road meets Knoche Road today. The path that once connected the house to the barns has become Ensminger Road in Tonawanda
Frank was one of the first officers hired by the Town of Tonawanda Police Department. He became Constable for the Town, and during his years of service risked his life to protect those in Tonawanda on many occasions. In one instance, he incurred a gunshot wound to the head, but later returned to duty.
Frank would be killed in a hit-and-run incident while on his motorcycle, ending his watch over the Town of Tonawanda on April 8, 1923.
Frank had no children, but his commitment to service lived on through his family. His brother, Elmer G. Pfonner, would serve in the First World War. Upon his return, Elmer served as a Constable much like Frank. However, Elmer resigned when his parents became distraught at the thought of losing another son.
Elmer went on to have five children, who would have been Frank's nieces and nephews. Two of Frank's nephew served in the Korean War, and the youngest of the nephews would go on to have four children. As a symbol of the legacy of Officer Pfonner, the youngest of the children was named Frank H. Pfonner, after his great uncle.
Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joseph Emminger, the Town Board, and Police Chief James Stauffiger are to be commended for remembering the life and legacy of Officer Pfonner through rededication of the Town of Tonawanda Police Headquarters in his honor.
This tribute will serve as a lasting reminder of the great sacrifices made by Officer Frank H. Pfonner and all police past and present who risk their own lives to serve our communities.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 188
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