[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 95 (Tuesday, June 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO POLICE CHIEF JOE SULLIVAN OF FERNDALE, MI

                                 ______


                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 1996

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, Police Chief Joe Sullivan of Ferndale, MI 
will retire on June 30, 1996 after almost 27 years with the Ferndale 
Police Department.
  Joe Sullivan has been an exceptional law enforcement officer. From 
his early days as a patrolman, as the youngest captain in the history 
of the Ferndale Police Department and finally to his service as chief 
of police, he has had a distinguished and rewarding career.
  His approach toward law enforcement is rooted in his family, his 
commitment to community and respect for his colleagues. Joe Sullivan's 
career in law enforcement has spanned three decades--an era of major 
change in the nature of law enforcement. The problems experienced in 
our communities have intensified and have become more complex. They 
have required new techniques. Joe Sullivan has been successful because 
he has been a leader in combining sophisticated new methods with some 
old-fashion, community-based methods.
  It has been my pleasure to know Joe Sullivan and to work closely with 
him on a variety of efforts. 1994, Joe Sullivan spent time helping to 
provide me the hands of knowledge I needed to make the anti-crime bill 
more effective for local communities. We worked together, with other 
chiefs of police in the 12th District and with Attorney General Janet 
Reno to strengthen the community policing provisions of the bill by 
allowing communities to work together in multijurisdictional tasks 
forces. It was an idea sparked by Joe Sullivan and his colleagues and 
because of them it is law. I was honored to have Joe Sullivan join me 
for the White House ceremony where President Clinton signed the 
legislation into law.
  Joe Sullivan is a person who combines a direct, no-nonsense approach 
with a sensitivity to others. He will tell you what's on his mind, 
while listening to the views of others. And he speaks passionately 
about what local law enforcement needs to be successful.
  Joe Sullivan has won 17 commendations during his career on the 
Ferndale Police Force. One such distinction emanated from his work as 
commander of a SWAT intervention that terminated a dangerous hostage 
situation in 1984.
  Joe Sullivan was born and raised in Ferndale. He is a husband of 30 
years, a father of two and a grandfather of four. His strong family 
values are rooted in his Irish heritage.
  Joe Sullivan has given his adult career to the safety and security of 
the citizens of Ferndale. I join them in paying tribute to Joe Sullivan 
and wishing him health and happiness in his much deserved retirement. 
Many thanks, Joe, for all of your efforts on our behalf.

                          ____________________