Nellie Pou

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome His Excellency Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic, to New Jersey on the occasion of his first official visit to our state and to recognize his distinguished record of service.

President Abinader was first elected President of the Dominican Republic in 2020 and was reelected in 2024. An economist and

businessman by training, he has brought his experience to public office with a focus on government reform and expanding opportunity for the Dominican people.

During his presidency, the Dominican Republic has pursued investments in infrastructure and access to drinking water while modernizing its national power grid. His administration has also worked to increase foreign investment and promote transparency and public accountability. In 2024, President Abinader helped enact constitutional reforms preserving presidential term limits and providing greater independence for the Attorney General's Office.

President Abinader's visit carries special meaning in New Jersey. Our state is home to one of the largest Dominican communities in the United States. Among them are thousands of families in North Jersey who contribute enormously to the economic and cultural life of our state. The bonds between our nations are renewed every day by these families and the enduring connections they maintain with the Dominican Republic.

Today, William Paterson University welcomes President Abinader to its campus and presents him with its Presidential Medal. The occasion also celebrates the lasting ties between the Dominican Republic and Dominicans abroad.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join New Jersey's Dominican community in marking President Luis Abinader's first official visit to our state. I extend my best wishes to President Abinader and the people of the Dominican Republic and look forward to the continued friendship between our nations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Detective Lieutenant Sharon Easton-Lassiter of Paterson, New Jersey, upon her retirement after a distinguished career dedicated to public safety, community service, and the empowerment of others.

A lifelong resident of Paterson and proud graduate of the Paterson Public Schools. Detective Lieutenant Easton-Lassiter has devoted her life to serving the city she calls home. In 1989, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by joining the Paterson Police Department and embarked on a career that would leave a lasting mark on her community. Her groundbreaking journey reached a historic milestone in 2016 when she became the first Black American woman promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in the department's history

Over more than four decades in law enforcement, Detective Lieutenant Easton-Lassiter served in numerous assignments and earned a reputation not only as a dedicated professional, but also as a trusted leader and bridge-builder committed to strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community.

In 2023, she was appointed to lead the Paterson Police Department's Community Partnership Bureau, where she expanded violence prevention, youth mentorship, and community engagement efforts that strengthened trust between residents and law enforcement while creating new opportunities for young people.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sharon has remained deeply committed to faith, family, and community. Whether guiding young people, supporting neighborhood initiatives, or serving alongside her husband, Reverend Dr. Randall Lassiter, she has consistently demonstrated a belief that public service is about uplifting others and helping communities thrive.

Mr. Speaker, Detective Lieutenant Sharon Easton-Lassiter's career reflects the very best of public service. Her leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to the people of Paterson have made our community stronger. I am proud to recognize her extraordinary contributions and wish her and her family continued success and happiness in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor HK Metalcraft of Lodi, New Jersey, as it celebrates 100 years in business, a rare milestone built on generations of hard work, family commitment, and pride in a job well done.

Founded in 1926, HK Metalcraft has grown and adapted across four generations of Hopp family leadership, standing as a testament to what steady dedication and strong values can achieve over time. Today, under the leadership of Josh Hopp, the company continues that legacy, carrying forward a tradition of excellence that has endured for a full century.

From its headquarters in Lodi, HK Metalcraft operates a 50,000- square-foot facility that brings together office, manufacturing, and warehouse space to support efficient operations. With a team of about 30 employees, the company produces a wide range of specialized components, including spring washers, metal gaskets, custom stampings, and assemblies that serve industries far beyond our district and state.

Reaching 100 years in business does not happen by chance. It takes resilience, adaptability, and an abiding devotion to both employees and customers. Through changing markets and evolving technologies, HK Metalcraft has remained focused on quality, precision, and doing right by the people it serves.

Mr. Speaker, small businesses like HK Metalcraft are the backbone of our communities. They create jobs, support families, boost communities, and help drive our local economy forward. HK Metalcraft's century of success is a powerful reminder of what can be built when hard work meets opportunity.

I am proud to recognize this extraordinary milestone and to congratulate Josh Hopp and the entire HK Metalcraft team. I wish them continued success in the years ahead.