[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 85 (Monday, May 22, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S7135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  TRIBUTE TO CHIEF ROBERT A. SESSIONS

 Mrs. BOYER. Mr. President, I rise today to report that over 
the weekend California lost a great public servant. On Saturday, 
Barstow chief of police Robert A. Sessions died after a brief battle 
with cancer. Chief Sessions was a 28-year veteran of the department, 
and he will be missed by the people of Barstow and all who knew him.
  Chief Sessions had a long and distinguished career serving his 
community. He graduated from high school in Butte, MT, in 1958, and 
subsequently received advanced degrees in education from Barstow 
Community College and in sociology from Chapman College. He also 
graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy, 
125th session.
  After holding the positions of patrol officer, K-9 officer, 
detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain, Sessions was promoted to 
chief of police in 1985. During his tenure at the helm of the Barstow 
Police Department, Chief Sessions implemented numerous community 
policing programs and supervised special projects ranging from drug 
abuse resistance and education to the retired senior volunteer 
programs.
  Chief Sessions was devoted to his family and his community. He 
married Carol Dawson in 1963 and the couple adopted two children, Jon 
and Jennifer. He joined the force as a reserve officer in 1967, and was 
sworn in as a full-time member of the Barstow Police Department the 
following year.
  Chief Sessions was a licensed pilot and led an active life that 
included hunting, fishing, running, and golf. He was a positive role 
model for the young people of the city of Barstow and his presence will 
be greatly missed.
  The memory of Chief Sessions' dedication to his family and his 
community will live in each of us as we remember a remarkable public 
servant.


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