[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 12 (Thursday, February 10, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO HAMPTON POLICE CHIEF PAT MINETTI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. HERBERT H. BATEMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 10, 2000

  Mr. BATEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding 
constituent in my district, Pat Minetti. I would like to read a letter 
I sent to Pat in early January before we came back in session and then 
expand upon it with these remarks.

       Dear Pat, it is with great pleasure that I write this 
     letter of congratulations to you on the occasion of your 
     retirement after an extraordinary tenure of 45 years as a 
     member of the Hampton Police Division. Your commitment to 
     your job is exemplified in the number of years of your 
     dedicated service and your immeasurable accomplishments. In 
     your 27 years as Chief, you achieved your goals and the 
     Hampton Police force and the City of Hampton are better for 
     it. I know the City of Hampton is proud to count you among 
     one of its finest and is greatly indebted to you. Please know 
     that Laura and I wish you the best in retirement.

  Pat Minetti was a truly outstanding law enforcement officer and Chief 
of Police. His service to his community and its citizens has been 
honorable and faithful for 45 years. The story of Pat's service 
reflects the devotion to duty, family and community that helps to keep 
this nation, America, safe for families and individual citizens.
  The son of Italian immigrants, Pat was born and raised in New Castle, 
Pennsylvania. As a young man, Pat worked in the steel mills and as a 
lumberjack while attending school. From his parents, and through his 
experiences growing up, he learned the important values of integrity, 
hard work and devotion to God, family and service.
  Pat moved to Hampton, Virginia in 1955 and joined the Hampton Police 
Division. He started as a patrolman, walking a beat and serving 
families and small business. He was quickly recognized for his 
enthusiasm for law enforcement and genuine concern for the safety and 
rights of all citizens. He diligently worked through each rank, and 
with his unwavering desire to serve his citizens, he always applied 
himself to the most challenging operational positions out in the 
community. In 1972, his potential for senior leadership combined with 
his gifts and skills in law enforcement led the Mayor and the City 
Manager to select him to become Hampton's Chief of Police, a position 
he held for the past 28 years.
  Pat's remarkable career, spanning the terms of eight Mayors and six 
City Managers, reflects a truly exceptional dedication to serving 
others and the ability to lead
  Pat served as the 1989 President of the FBI National Academy 
Associates and is a past President of the Virginia Association of 
Chiefs of Police. At the national level, he served as a member of the 
National Law Enforcement Council during President Bush's 
Administration. At the state level, he served as a member of Governor 
Wilder's Commission on Violet Crime, where he chaired the Task Force 
Subcommittee on Crime Prevention. Under Governor Allen's 
Administration, he served as a member of the Joint Subcommittee 
examining laws regarding handicapped parking.
  Pat was awarded the prestigious Presidential Award for Outstanding 
Contribution to the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police in August 
1998, only the third such award to be presented since the organization 
was established in 1926.
  Pat's selfless service and dedication to Hampton, Virginia's citizens 
and law enforcement has earned him the respect and admiration of his 
beloved community and the many police officers and local, state and 
national officials who have been associated with him over the past 45 
years. Pat continues to live in Hampton with his wife, Donnie, who has 
shared the thrills and hardships of being a police wife for more than 
43 years. He has two daughters and four grandchildren, with whom he 
enjoys spending time.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Pat and his family for their service to 
Hampton, its citizens and the Commonwealth of Virginia and I wish for 
them all God's blessings in the years to come.

                          ____________________