[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   A TRIBUTE TO LT. ELPIDIO ``PETE'' RAMIREZ ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 
 RETIREMENT AFTER 26 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE LOS ANGELES CITY HOUSING 
                      AUTHORITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 1998

  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Elpidio 
``Pete'' Ramirez on the occasion of his retirement from Los Angeles 
City Housing Authority Police Department, after 26 years of dedicated 
service.
  In 1957, Pete graduated from Cathedral High School. After graduation, 
he joined the United States Navy where he served on the USS Fortified, 
the USS Wabash and the USS Esteem. In the Navy, he reached the rank of 
Fireman First Class. Pete received an Associate of Arts Degree from Rio 
Hondo Community College, and in March 1980, he graduated from the 
Golden West Policy Academy.
  Pete began his law enforcement career with the Baldwin Park Police 
Department as a Reserve Police Officer in 1960. In 1964, he transferred 
to the Montebello Police Department where he served as a Reserve Police 
Sergeant. After his five years with the Montebello Police Department, 
in 1969 Pete transferred to the United States Marshals Service.
  In 1971, Pete joined the Los Angeles City Housing Authority Police 
Department. As a police officer with the Housing Authority, he served 
in several assignments including patrol and footbeat. On one occasion, 
while Pete was handling a routine call, he was ambushed and sustained 
severe gun shot wounds which caused life-long injuries to his back. 
After recovering from his injuries, Pete continued working for the 
Housing Authority Police Department. In 1983, Pete was promoted to the 
rank of Sergeant and in March of 1994 he was promoted to Lieutenant.
  Pete's career as a public servant is highlighted by over 20 years of 
service as an elected official. He served on the El Rancho Unified 
School District Board of Education from 1976 to 1993. In 1997, he was 
elected to the Pico Rivera City Council. He is also a member of the 
American Legion and the Optimist Club.
  In his retirement, Pete will spend his time with his wife Socorro, 
his children and grand-children, including his 2 year old grand-
daughter, Whisper, who currently lives with him in Pico Rivera, 
California.
  Mr. Speaker, on June 17, 1998, Pete retired from the Los Angeles City 
Housing Authority Police Department. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
saluting Elpidio ``Pete'' Ramirez for his loyal and dedicated service 
to the Los Angeles City Housing Authority and the residents of the City 
of Los Angeles and for his continued commitment to outstanding public 
service.




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