[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 14, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO MARY BAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of 
Deputy Mary Baker of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department. Ms. Baker's 
excellence both on and off duty is being awarded this week with the 
Valley Community Legal Foundation Award.
  In 1969, Deputy Baker was one of a small group of women hired by the 
Sheriff's Department to work as a patrol deputy. Those women faced 
great obstacles as they were the first women to work patrol. Mary faced 
this challenge and not only overcame any adversity, but excelled. Mary 
and her colleagues were pivotal in opening up opportunities for all 
women that would follow in their path.
  From patrol duty, Deputy Baker went on to work both as a detective 
and in custody duty in the East L.A. and Downtown stations. For the 
past 10 years she has worked as a detective in the Malibu/Lost Hills 
Station, during which time she has been called upon to handle both 
sensitive and high profile cases. A recent high profile case was that 
of the ``Long-Note-Bandit'' who was suspected in a string of 10 bank 
robberies. Mary's work was pivotal in both the identification and 
arrest of the suspect, who is currently awaiting trial.
  Deputy Baker's diligence, investigative skills, and years of 
experience make her an invaluable asset to the Malibu/Lost Hills 
Station, as well as the residents of those communities. She handles 
cases ranging from theft and robbery to fraud and home invasion. Her 
excellence is well known in the surrounding communities as she has an 
extensive working background with several of the surrounding stations.
  Sallust once noted that: `` * * * mental excellence is a splendid and 
lasting possession.'' This has certainly been the case with Deputy 
Baker as her excellent investigative skills and deductive logic have 
been a great asset to our community. Indeed, her years of distinguished 
service is truly remarkable. She is in every way a deserving recipient 
of the Valley Community Legal Foundation Award.

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