[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 150 (Tuesday, October 20, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12736-S12737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   LIEUTENANT WILLIAM JAMES LENAGHAN II RETIRES FROM CANTON TOWNSHIP 
                           POLICE DEPARTMENT

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Lieutenant 
William James Lenaghan, II, who is retiring from the Canton Township 
Police Department in the state of Michigan after 20 years of dedicated 
service.
  Lieutenant Lenaghan joined the Canton Township Police Department 
after serving in various governmental jobs. He started his career in 
1962, when he joined the United States Navy. He was stationed at the 
Naval Air Station in Grosse, IL, where he was assigned as a Fire 
Fighter Instructor. After serving in the military, he began his police 
officer career as a patrolman. He served in this capacity as well as 
Special Investigator, Arson Investigator, a member of the Tactical 
Response Team, Narcotics/Intelligence Team Commander and Instructor for 
five years in the Michigan cities of West Bloomfield and Redford 
Township. Next, he became a Special Agent in the United States Treasury 
Department Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) where he 
fulfilled the duties of Instructor and Arson Explosives Team Member. As 
the burden of traveling with three small children at home became too 
much, he left his position at the BATF and went to work for Bloomfield 
Township Police/Tri Cities Fire Department. Here, he continued to 
expand his experience by becoming Fire Marshal, Tactical Team Officer 
and Arson Team Member. Longing to once again work for the United States 
Government, he went to work for the United States Department Bureau of 
Customs in Detroit, Michigan. Among the many duties that he partook in, 
he was a Patrol Supervisor and Intelligence Liaison with DEA. In 1978, 
he began his final expedition as a sergeant for the Canton Township 
Police Department. Beginning his career as a patrolman, he climbed the 
ranks to eventually become Senior Lieutenant. While advancing his 
record as a civil servant, he also took on the responsibilities of 
shift commander, Emergency Preparedness Director and Community Policing 
Coordinator.
  Throughout his career, Lieutenant Lenaghan has received a great deal 
of recognition for his excellent service. One example that did not go 
unrecognized was an event occurring on June 23, 1984. While attending 
to his own responsibilities, he extended much needed aid to help out a 
fellow officer who was struggling with a mentally deranged person. 
Responding to the scene, he assisted by providing physical support 
bringing the subject under control. His actions undoubtedly prevented 
further injury to his fellow officer and prevented further danger to 
the citizens in the area. His decisions ad judgements were certainly a 
credit to himself and his department. This brave act is only one 
example of the many citations he has received over his career.
  With over 30 years' experience in public safety and law enforcement 
at the local and federal levels, Lieutenant Lenaghan has provided 
quality leadership in public safety management. His extensive training 
in police, emergency, fire protection, and supervision enabled him to 
perform multi-level tasks essential to the efficient operation of 
public safety and police department duties.

[[Page S12737]]

  On behalf of his wife Lois of 31 years, his seven children, his seven 
grandchildren, the State of Michigan and myself, I would like to take 
this opportunity to acknowledge his excellent service, dedication, 
winning personality and commitment to those with whom he worked. Again, 
I extend my warmest congratulations to him on his retirement.

                          ____________________