[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 50 (Wednesday, April 29, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E701]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    TRIBUTE TO OPERATION GANG RESCUE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 29, 1998

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the law 
enforcement officials and central California valley youth who have 
contributed to the 3rd annual community service ``Operation Gang 
Rescue.'' Fresno, Madera, Merced, and Los Banos communities, local 
officials, and the Central Valley Dermatology and Laser Medical Center 
have joined together in support of the community Gang Intervention 
program and gang related tattoo removal for Valley youth. I applaud 
their efforts and dedication.
  ``Operation Gang Rescue'' is a community service program in 
cooperation with ``Gang Intervention Units'' of the police departments 
of local communities from Fresno, Madera, and Merced Counties. Men and 
women in the law enforcement organizations serve as mentors, providing 
direction and encouragement to the youth involved in the program. The 
participation of the law enforcement organizations, which includes the 
Fresno County Probation Department, Madera Probation Department, Merced 
Police Department, and Los Banos Police Department, is commendable.
  The objective of the program is to establish a long term community 
service program where the Central Valley Dermatology and Laser Medical 
Center contributes its time, facility, and laser equipment to provide 
treatment sessions and removal of ``gang related tattoos'' free of 
charge. The participation of Dr. Syed Pervaiz and the Central Valley 
Dermatology and Laser Center has been instrumental to the program for 
the past three years. Dr. Pervaiz is credited with being a community 
leader and exemplary citizen. He and his staff are a credit to the 
community.
  The youngsters that participate in this program are selected by the 
Fresno County Probation Department, Madera Probation Department, Merced 
Police Department South Station, and Los Banos Police Department. They 
are all deserving of this recognition.
  For all of their hard work and dedication I would like to recognize 
Probation Officers Phillip Fuentes, Kristine Kelly, and Gerald Sandoval 
from the Fresno County Probation Department, Juvenile Division. I would 
also like to recognize youths Dawn Dervisian, Joe Madrid, and Jonathan 
Franco who were selected for the program by the Fresno County Probation 
Department.
  I would like to congratulate Naomi Saldivar-Wyatt and Daniel Nunez 
from the Madera Probation Department. Additionally, I recognize Obed 
Reyes, Timothy Edwards, Angel Ortega, and Michael Ramon for actively 
participating in this program under the guidance of the Madera 
Probation Department officers.
  I would like to recognize Commander Wally Broughton, D.A. Penn, and 
Richard Morgan from the Merced Police Department South Station. Under 
their guidance, Erick Smith, Mimi Mojica, Khou Moua, Daniel Aguilar, 
John Stephens, and John Vang all actively participated.
  From the Los Banos Police Department, Chief Mike Hughes and Wayne 
Small oversaw youths Ernie Alvarez and Celina Basch. These devoted 
individuals have made concerted effort to make a difference in the San 
Joaquin Valley.
  It is through the community efforts displayed by these individuals 
that we can reach a higher level of tranquillity in our respective 
communities. The program is a multi-agency effort to give ``at risk'' 
youth a chance to lead productive lives. Additionally, the program 
offers young people the opportunity to rid themselves of gang tattoos 
free of charge.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to the law 
enforcement officials and central California valley youth who have 
contributed to the 3rd annual community service ``Operation Gang 
Rescue.'' I commend Dr. Pervaiz and his staff for facilitating the 
services and procedures to give these young citizens an opportunity for 
a brighter future. The efforts of the law enforcement officers of 
Fresno, Madera, Merced, and Los Banos bring unmeasurable rewards for 
the youths participating in the ``Operation Gang Rescue'' program. I 
ask my colleagues to join me in wishing ``Operation Gang Rescue'' many 
more years of success.

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