[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 177 (Thursday, November 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RETIREMENT OF KANSAS CITY POLICE CHIEF STEVEN BISHOP

                                 ______


                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 9, 1995

  Ms. McCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Steven 
Bishop, who is retiring on December 1, 1995 after serving a 
distinguished 25 years with the Kansas City, MO Police Department, the 
last 5 years as chief of police.
  Throughout his tenure, Chief Bishop has demonstrated an admirable 
willingness to face the toughest issues. Shortly after taking office, 
Chief Bishop appointed a task force of Police commanders, clergy and 
community leaders to study ways in which officers could better 
communicate and work with citizens to deter crime. A community policing 
force eventually was established, partnering neighbors with officers 
throughout our community.
  His ongoing pursuit to build a safer community is further evidenced 
by his work on the Governor's Commission on Crime and the President's 
Committee on Drug-Free Schools. These and other anti-crime efforts have 
earned him national recognition. Among Chief Bishop's honors was a 
special appearance at President Clinton's State of the Union Address 
earlier this year at which the President paid tribute to him for his 
outstanding efforts and leadership.
  Chief Bishop's interest in law enforcement began well before his days 
as police chief. In 1970, 3 years after leaving the Marine Corps as a 
Vietnam veterans, Bishop graduated from Central Missouri State 
University with a degree in police administration.
  While serving as a police officer, Bishop continued to develop his 
skills and abilities by earning a master's degree in personnel 
management from Central Michigan University and attending numerous 
training conferences and seminars. Over the years, he participated in 
the sergeants supervisory leadership course, the officer survival 
seminar, the national hostage negotiations seminar, the national 
organized crime training seminar, and the 147th session of the F.B.I. 
National Academy.
  Not surprisingly, Bishop's impressive aptitude and positive attitude 
soon won him respect and promotions. He advanced to the rank of 
sergeant in 1975, captain in 1980, major in 1987, lieutenant colonel in 
1989, and chief of police in 1990. He was only 43 years old when he was 
sworn in to head the department on June 14, 1990.
  Chief Bishop's list of accolades includes being named the Ad Hoc 
Police Officer of the Year in 1988 for his efforts to fight drugs on 
the City's East Side, and the ABC News ``Person of the Week'' for his 
work to foster better relations between the police and the community
  In light of his 25 years of outstanding service to the Kansas City 
Police Department and the people of Kansas City, I know that my 
colleagues in the House join with me in honoring Steven Bishop. We 
certainly wish Chief Bishop all the best in his future endeavors. His 
leadership will be sorely missed in my district. Thanks, Chief.

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