[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 105 (Wednesday, August 3, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         BARRE, MA, MOURNS LOSS

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                           HON. JOHN W. OLVER

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 2, 1994

  Mr. OLVER. Mr. Speaker, last week the town of Barre, MA mourned the 
loss of Police Chief Michael J. Ryder.
  Chief Ryder served his community for 23 years and, during that time, 
built a legacy of dedication to and compassion for the people of Barre. 
Having come to the police department in 1971 after earning a purple 
heart in Vietnam, Michael Ryder started as a short-term hire funded by 
a government grant and proceeded to rise to the rank of police chief by 
the youthful age of 25.
  Known for his sense of humor and ability to communicate, Chief Ryder 
won a place in the hearts of fellow officers and town officials. He 
became a fixture in Barre, getting involved in activities ranging from 
helping out high school youths to leading the annual Memorial Day 
parade. He gave back to the community in which he grew up, and he will 
be sorely missed by the people he touched.
  I join the citizens of Barre in lamenting the death of Chief Michael 
J. Ryder. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and associates, and 
to the people he served.

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