[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 79 (Tuesday, June 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          TRIBUTE TO JOHN BALL

                                 ______


                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 21, 1994

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in special tribute to a law 
enforcement officer, a community activist, a husband and father, an 
educator, and a friend. A man whom I respect and admire. A man most 
deserving of our recognition.
  John Ball of Royal Oak, MI.
  John Ball has served jointly as the chief of police and director of 
public safety in the city of Royal Oak for 15 years. He is a member of 
the Oakland County crisis response team and an adjunct facility member 
at Oakland Community College. He has served as president of the South 
Oakland County Chiefs of Police Association and the Michigan 
Association of Chiefs of Police. He is involved in the Royal Oak Area 
Optimist Club, the R.W. Groves Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Center and the 
Common Ground Crisis Intervention group. He has served as president of 
Shrine High School and the Shrine of the Little Flower Elementary 
School Boards.
  But this list of accomplishments and contributions only begin to tell 
the story of John Ball.
  John Ball is a quiet, caring, and committed Leader. He is a man who 
will tell it to you straight and whose judgment is right on the mark.
  Just a few years ago, in the city of Royal Oak, we experienced a 
terrible tragedy at our post office. I remember so clearly walking into 
John's office that day and soon thinking to myself how very lucky we 
were to have him at the helm. He provided a sense of stability to the 
community and moved quickly to establish a network of support for the 
employees at the post office and restore a sense of calm to the 
community at large.
  And just this year, when I went to my district for advice on the 
anticrime bill, John Ball was again there for his community. He went 
beyond telling me what was needed, and actually took the time to show 
me through a local criminal surveillance team. Along with other chiefs 
of police in the 12th district, we have joined together to make a 
difference for suburban communities in the crime bill.
  John Ball has always been there, for the community. It has been an 
honor and privilege to work beside him.
  As John retires from the Royal Oak Police Department and prepares to 
enter into what I am sure will be another rewarding career with the 
Archdiocese of Detroit, I would like to take this opportunity to wish 
him the best and to thank him, on behalf of my staff and myself, and 
most importantly, the entire community.

                          ____________________