[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 139 (Thursday, September 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                  TRIBUTE TO SHERIFF ROBERT A. O'NEAL

                                 ______


                        HON. ANDREW JACOBS, JR.

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 1994

  Mr. JACOBS. Mr. Speaker, Indianapolis is closing quickly on the 40th 
anniversary of a significant public event, the election in 1954 of 
Robert A. O'Neal as the sheriff of the Indianapolis county of Marion.
  Bob O'Neal's election marked the historic demarcation between the old 
system of political patronage for policing and the new system of 
professional officers.
  Sheriff O'Neal had served as superintendent of the Indiana State 
Police, and his father served as chief of Indianapolis Police. Steeped 
in the tradition of professional excellence, Bob O'Neal embarked upon 
the noble effort of transforming the Marion County Sheriff's Department 
into a modern organization suitable to the emerging extension of 
Indianapolis into the suburbs.
  Because of the inspiration of his example. the State of Indiana 
adopted its first statute guaranteeing merit policing in its sheriffs' 
departments. And that guarantee of professionalism has endured to this 
day, a fine legacy of a fine police officer who, now retired from 
active police work, continues to be a model citizen in our community. 
He deserves this happy anniversary of extraordinary community 
achievement.

                          ____________________