[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E109-E110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO JOHN FRIERSON

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                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 17, 1995
  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. John 
Frierson, who is retiring this month after a dedicated career of 26 
years to the citizens of Los Angeles. On Friday, January 20, 1995, in 
Los Angeles, John's many friends and colleagues will gather at a 
retirement dinner in his honor at the Continental Plaza Hotel. In 
recognition of his service to the community, I am pleased to highlight 
just a few of his career and community service accomplishments for my 
colleagues.
  Born in Harlem in New York City, John graduated from George 
Washington High School, and studied history at the City College of New 
York. He moved to Los Angeles in 1957, and has completed courses in law 
enforcement and history at the University of California, Los Angeles.
  During his career in the U.S. Navy, John served aboard the U.S.S. 
Little Rock. In 1948, he was assigned as a personal 1st Class Steward 
to Adm. Richard Glassford, commander of the 3d Atlantic Fleet. A 
highlight of his assignment was a trip to Odessa, Russia--location of 
the 1947 summit meeting of President Harry S. Truman, Prime Minister 
Winston Churchill, and Premier Joseph Stalin.
  Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, John embarked on a 
career in public service that would span nearly three decades. His 
career in law enforcement includes service as a deputy sheriff for the 
County of Los Angeles, and as the sergeant in charge of West Los 
Angeles traffic for the Los Angeles Police Department and the 
Department of Transportation.
  For the past several years, John has served as the senior deputy to 
10th district city councilman Nate Holden.
  In addition to his public service, John has been actively involved in 
community affairs. He is a member of the Urban League, NAACP, Service 
Employees International Union, Local 347, and the Committee to Support 
Dial 911. He serves on the board of the Oscar Joel Bryant Police 
Association, and is a charter member of the Harlem Negro Theater. He 
also served as a member of Los Angeles city attorney James Hahn's Small 
Business Advisory Committee.
  John's commitment to public service and his community is exceeded 
only by his commitment and enthusiasm for political activism. He is a 
past president of the New Frontier Democratic Club; former regional 
director, region 11 
[[Page E110]] of the California State Democratic Party; member of the 
Democratic County Central Committee; and an executive board member of 
the California Democratic State Party and the Wilshire Community Police 
Council.
  John is the recipient of numerous awards for his many contributions 
to the citizens of Los Angeles, including community service awards 
presented by Assemblywoman Gwen Moore, and Councilman Holden, 
respectively; the Outstanding Community Service Award, presented by the 
National Black Police Association, region 5; Member of the Year Award 
from the New Frontier Democratic Club; and Member of the Year in the 
49th and 53d Assembly Districts Awards, presented by the Los Angeles 
County Democratic Committee.
  Mr. Speaker, it has been my sincere pleasure to count John and his 
lovely wife, Susie, as my friends for many years. And it is especially 
fitting that a dinner is being held in John's honor to commend him on a 
fine record of service to the community. I am especially pleased to 
join in that tribute and to have this opportunity to pay tribute to 
John on this happy occasion. Please join me in extending to John and 
Susie best wishes for a retirement that is rich with happiness and full 
of prosperity.


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