Wishing Police Chief Robert Noble of Yorktown Police Department a Happy Retirement

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(Mr. Lawler of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate Yorktown Police Chief Robert Noble on his retirement after more than three decades of public service. Chief Noble's career has been defined by commitment, sacrifice, and an unwavering sense of duty. For more than 30 years in law enforcement, including nearly a decade as chief, he led the Yorktown Police Department with professionalism and steady leadership. For Chief Noble, policing was never simply a job, it was a vocation. He described the department as a second family and fostered a culture of trust, respect, and community engagement.

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Throughout his tenure, he strengthened community policing initiatives, expanded school-based programs, and guided the department through the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging moments, including the loss of an officer. Beyond his accomplishments, Chief Noble will be remembered for his integrity, his leadership, and his dedication to keeping Yorktown safe. Mr. Speaker, I thank Bobby, his family, and the entire Yorktown Police Department. I extend my deepest gratitude for his decades of service. May his retirement be filled with some well-earned rest and time with his loved ones.

Remembering Carmine Caponigro

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Carmine Caponigro, a distinguished oral surgeon, veteran, educator, and devoted family man who passed away earlier this month. A native New Yorker, Carmine was born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bronx, where he embodied the American Dream. As the first in his family to attend college, he earned degrees from Fordham University and New York University College of Dentistry before proudly serving our Nation in the United States Army. After his military service, he made Rockland County his home, where he built a respected oral surgery practice, served as chief of dental service at Good Samaritan Hospital, and helped educate future dental professionals. His commitment to excellence earned him the Sister Joseph Rita Good Samaritan Award for Medical Excellence. Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Carmine will be remembered most for his kindness, humility,

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sharp intellect, and deep love for his family. He valued service, lifelong learning, and treating every person with dignity and respect. His beloved wife of 72 years, Lydia, his children, and the entire Caponigro family are in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Speaker, may God bless Carmine's memory and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.

Honoring Bill Ritter

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great New Yorker, Bill Ritter, whose decades of work in broadcast journalism have earned him the respect and admiration of viewers across our region. As he and his family face his recent diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer's disease, I join countless New Yorkers in offering my prayers, support, and deep gratitude for all he has given to our communities. For decades, Bill has been a trusted presence in New York homes. As the longtime anchor of WABC's Eyewitness News, he built a career defined by integrity, thoughtful storytelling, and an unwavering commitment to keeping the public informed. Throughout my time in Congress, I have had the opportunity to join Bill on his program where every conversation reflected his fairness, professionalism, and respect for others. Even as he steps away from the anchor desk, Bill continues to lead with courage and purpose by raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease and helping families facing the same journey. Mr. Speaker, Bill; his wife, Kathleen; his children; and his entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are deeply grateful for Bill's decades of service, his friendship, and his voice in our public life. Mr. Speaker, may God bless Bill and his family, and may He grant him strength, peace, and comfort in the days ahead as he sets out to battle Alzheimer's.

Recognizing Watson Padovani

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a truly inspiring young New Yorker from Somers, 5-year-old Watson Padovani, who is showing all of us that you are never too young to make a difference in your community. Earlier this June, Watson held his third annual lemonade stand outside of Bobo's Cafe in Somers, raising more than $2,000 for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, which supports children and families battling childhood cancer. What began as a simple act of kindness has now become a growing tradition of compassion and service. The Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation was inspired by the legacy of young Alex Scott, who began raising money with a simple lemonade stand in her fight against childhood cancer. Today, Watson is helping carry that mission forward, one that has raised millions for pediatric cancer research and brought hope to countless families across the country. Mr. Speaker, to Watson and his family and the entire Somers community that came together to support this effort, I thank them for setting such a powerful example of kindness, generosity, and community spirit.

Recognizing the '76 House in Tappan, New York

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