[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E462]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      HONORING CHIEF HELENA ASHBY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. STEVEN T. KUYKENDALL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2000

  Mr. KUYKENDALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Helena 
Ashby, a distinguished member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's 
Department. Chief Ashby is retiring from the department after nearly 36 
years of exemplary service.
  On April 29, 1964, Helena Ashby was sworn in as Deputy Sheriff. 
Thirty-one years and several promotions later, Helena Ashby made 
departmental history by becoming the first female chief in 1995. 
Tomorrow she will retire as the highest-ranking female executive in the 
department.
  Chief Ashby is currently head of the department's Detective Division, 
responsible for all specialized criminal investigation throughout the 
County of Los Angeles. The division consists of six individual bureaus 
and is staffed by 759 personnel and has an annual budget of $64 
million. The investigations completed by the Detective Division involve 
homicide, narcotics, vehicle theft, organized crime, arson/explosives, 
forgery, and computer crimes.
  As a Deputy, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Commander, and Chief, 
Helena Ashby has been a pioneer for women in law enforcement. She is 
also a model officer and a leader, an example for everyone in law 
enforcement. I commend her for her tireless service to the public.
  I congratulate Chief Ashby on her distinguished career. Her 
achievements are many, and the community is grateful for her service. I 
wish her all the best in retirement. Although she is leaving the force 
tomorrow, she will leave a lasting impact on the Los Angeles County 
Sheriff's Department.

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