[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 69 (Thursday, May 22, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO SGT. JOEL R. PRICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me today to rise 
and pay tribute to police officer, Joel R. Price, who has dedicated the 
last 20 years to serving our community and helping others. This 
esteemed officer and citizen truly embodies exceptional qualities of 
duty, sacrifice, and dedication, making him a model for fellow officers 
and the people of Los Angeles. For these reasons, Joel R. Price is 
being honored by the Reseda Chamber of Commerce as the 1997 Police 
Officer of the Year.
  This award was achieved by Joel's long, distinguished career which he 
began by serving our community in 1977 as a station officer for the 
city of Los Angeles. His commitment and hard work quickly found an even 
higher calling after he graduated from the Police Academy and began 
working in the southwest and Van Nuys areas as a detective. His 
perseverance and distinguished service enabled him to rise quickly 
through the ranks. Joel put in long hours as a detective where his 
reputation as a dedicated and skilled member of the force were quickly 
recognized.
  Additionally, Joel patrolled Los Angeles during the 1984 Olympic 
games to ensure the safety of the participants. Thanks to people like 
Joel the games were a success.
  An important aspect of our community is bridging racial gaps. Through 
his bilingual abilities, Joel has reached out to the Spanish-speaking 
community to ensure all Americans have an equal voice.
  Joel remains ever vigilant in trying to help the youth in our 
community. He has worked extensively on antigang task forces to bring 
those who have committed crimes to justice and sought to provide a 
positive role for those young people at risk everyday.
  Here Sergeant Price's activities transcend mere prevention. He has 
provided our young people in California an alternative to the violence 
which plagues our streets. Joel has also been a role model to the 
community, devoting countless hours to the Police Athletic League and 
the West Valley youth Center. Additionally, Joel took it upon himself 
to help the less fortunate during the holidays by collecting food 
during Thanksgiving and toys during the Christmas season for the police 
department's giveaway.
  I am proud to honor Joel R. Price as Police Officer of the Year and 
thank him for his outstanding contributions both on the force and to 
our community.

                          ____________________