[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1318]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO CHIEF GALEN W. BROOKENS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PETER HOEKSTRA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 25, 1997

  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure today to honor 
Galen W. Brookens, who is retiring this year as chief of police at the 
Fremont Police Department in Fremont, MI.
  Chief Brookens began his distinguished career with the Fremont Police 
Department on March 16, 1963, as a patrolman. He served in this 
capacity until January 1, 1968, when he went to work as an investigator 
for the twenty-seventh circuit court. In December 1968, he returned to 
the Fremont Police Department after accepting the position of chief of 
police.
  Throughout his career, Chief Brookens has played an instrumental role 
in the community he has served. In 1979, he aided in the development 
and institution of the 911 system in Newaygo County, the second county 
in Michigan to provide this service, and also worked to establish the 
Silent Observer Program. He has served as chairman and board member of 
the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Training Council, the Newaygo 
County Administrative Officers Association, and the Michigan Chiefs of 
Police. In 1982, Chief Brookens received the ``Service Above Self'' 
award from the Rotary Club for his role in the development of an 
alcohol rehabilitation program in Newaygo County, his willingness to 
speak and teach at Fremont High School and various civic organizations, 
and his service and devotion to the First Reformed Church as a Sunday 
school teacher, deacon, and choir member. In addition, Chief Brookens 
has been given numerous awards, certificates, and commendations for 
exemplary police work and selfless service to the community of Fremont.
  For 33 years, Chief Brookens has dedicated his career to serving 
others. His work in the community has been an invaluable asset that has 
affected, and will continue to affect, the lives of many. As he 
retires, I would like to give him my thanks for his years of public 
service to the citizens of Fremont, and wish him all the best in his 
future endeavors.

                          ____________________