[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 55 (Wednesday, May 6, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4448-S4449]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  FIRST LIEUTENANT JOSEPH VAN OOSTERHOUT RETIRES FROM MICHIGAN STATE 
                                 POLICE

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to honor First 
Lieutenant Joseph Van Oosterhout, Post Commander of the Michigan State 
Police. He is retiring from the State Police after 23 years and 9 
months of dedicated service.
  First Lieutenant Van Oosterhout joined the Michigan State Police 
after serving in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 
1967 to 1971. After serving in the military, he attended Western 
Michigan University where he worked towards the Bachelor's Degree he 
later earned while with the State Police. He was enlisted in the 
Michigan State Police in 1974, first stationed at the Benton Harbor 
Post and later to the Detroit Post and White Pigeon Post. In 1982, Van 
Oosterhout was promoted to Sergeant in the Traffic Services Division in 
Lansing. In 1987, he was assigned as Assistant Post Commander at the 
Ypsilanti Post. In 1992, he was promoted to Post Commander at the Iron 
Mountain Post. Also in 1992, he was transferred to the Negaunee Post as 
Post Commander where he has served ever since.
  Throughout his career, First Lieutenant Van Oosterhout has received a 
great deal of recognition for his excellent service. In 1988, he was 
recognized as being the police officer in Michigan who had contributed 
most to traffic safety. He received one Departmental Award for breaking 
a crime ring and another for making a drug bust that had ties to 
several states.

[[Page S4449]]

  Van Oosterhout, husband to Becky and father to Leah, Sarah, Joe and 
Andrew, will be remembered for his excellent service and dedication to 
the Department of State Police, friendly demeanor and concern for those 
he worked with. I extend my warmest congratulations to him on his 
retirement.

                          ____________________