[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 83 (Friday, June 7, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HIGHLANDS, TX, OPENS ITS FIRST SHERIFF'S STATION

                                 ______


                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 1996

  Mr. BENTSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the community of 
Highlands, TX, in my district, which on June 15 will celebrate the 
opening of its first sheriff's station. I am confident that this 
station, the result of a Federal-local partnership will help prevent 
crime and ensure that more criminals are apprehended and brought to 
justice. This is an example of community policing at its best.
  This Highlands Sheriff's Station would not have been possible without 
the hard work and commitment of the Harris County Sheriff's Department, 
the sheriff's citizens advisory committee, the Highlands Rotary Club, 
and the U.S. Department of Justice through the community oriented 
policing services [COPS] program. The COPS program is providing the 
funding for the deputy who will be stationed in Highlands.
  I want to personally recognize and thank Sheriff Tommy Thomas for all 
he has done to make this Highlands station a reality. He has 
demonstrated strong leadership in protecting not only the more 
populated areas of Harris County, but smaller, more remote communities 
such as Highlands as well. And I appreciate the close working 
relationship our offices have had in securing the Federal grant for 
additional sheriff's deputies.
  I also want to recognize the efforts of the sheriff's citizens 
advisory committee and the Highlands Rotary Club. Concerned citizens 
groups are vital partners with law enforcement officers in fighting 
crime, and this station would not have been possible without their 
efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud the people of Highlands and the Harris County 
Sheriff's Department for their dedication and congratulate them for 
joining in this partnership that will benefit us all. This storefront 
station represents the beginning, not the end, of a partnership between 
the sheriff's department, the people of Highlands, and the Federal 
Government to ensure that residents and businesses enjoy the service 
and protection they deserve.

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