[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 31, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E84]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




PAYING TRIBUTE TO RETIRING CAPT. CONNIE R. VAN PUTTEN OF THE UNION CITY 
            POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2001

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Capt. Connie R. Van 
Putten upon her retirement from the Union City Police Department after 
nearly 36 years of total service to the law enforcement profession.
  Captain Van Putten began her career with the San Diego Police 
Department on November 19, 1965, and became the first woman patrol 
officer with the San Diego Police Department on April 15, 1973. She 
served with distinction in a variety of assignments and venues in her 
capacity as officer, detective, sergeant and Lieutenant.
  She began her career with the Union City Police Department on March 
21, 1988 at the rank of captain and became the first female command 
officer in the Union City Police Department. Captain Van Putten was 
commander for the Field Operations Division, Administrative Services 
Division, and Records and Communication Division.
  During her exemplary tenure at the Union City Police Department, 
Captain Van Putten has continuously displayed integrity, diligence and 
faithfulness in executing her duties. She has earned the respect and 
admiration of her subordinates, peers, chief executive officer, and 
other law enforcement professionals as well as the community of the 
city of Union City.
  In addition to her dedicated service to the Union City Police 
Department, Captain Van Putten has been continuously committed to 
assisting youth. She received national recognition in 1998 for her 
outstanding service to youth with the presentation of the Silver Beaver 
award by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
  Captain Van Putten has left her fine mark on the city of Union City 
and the law enforcement profession and I join her colleagues in 
thanking her and wishing her all the best on her well-deserved 
retirement.

                          ____________________