[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 23, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1097-E1098]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      A TRIBUTE TO ROBERT SESSIONS

                                 ______


                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 23, 1995
  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your 
attention the untimely passing of a fine man and an outstanding public 
servant, chief of police Robert Sessions of Barstow, CA. Chief 
Sessions, a 28-year member of the department and an inspiring presence 
to the city of Barstow, died on May 20 after a brief battle with 
cancer.
  Bob Sessions was born on March 23, 1940 and received a A.A. degree in 
education from Barstow Community College and a B.S. degree in sociology 
from Chapman College. He also graduated from the FBI's National 
Academy. In 1963, Bob married Carol Dawson and later they adopted two 
children, Jon and Jennifer. Together they moved to Barstow to make 
their home and work for Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway. Four years 
later, Bob became a reserve officer with the Barstow Police Department 
and was sworn in as a full time peace officer in 1968.
  Over the years, Bob worked his way through the ranks of the Barstow 
Police Department assuming the position of patrol officer, K-9 officer, 
detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. In September 1985 Bob was 
promoted to chief of police. During his tenure, Chief Sessions 
implemented numerous programs and projects including the Drug Abuse 
Resistance and Education [DARE] Program, the Retired Senior Volunteer 
Program [RSVP], the Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving 
Program, and many others.
  Chief Sessions' involvement in and support for numerous professional 
organizations is well known. He was a past president of the San 
Bernardino County Chief's Association, as well as a member of the 
California Chiefs of Police Association, the International Association 
of Chiefs of Police, the California Peace Officer's Association, and 
many others. In addition, Chief Sessions played an extraordinary and 
active role in our civic and community life as a member of the Church 
of Jesus Christ [[Page E1098]] and Latter Day Saints, and participating 
in the Barstow Rodeo, scouting programs, and the reading program in 
local schools.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, and Bob's family 
and many friends in paying tribute to this fine man. Chief Sessions was 
dearly loved and respected by the entire Barstow community and he will 
be greatly missed. Indeed, he touched and protected the lives of many 
people and it is only fitting that the House of Representatives honor 
him today.


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