[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 35 (Thursday, March 15, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO CHIEF KARL JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 15, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to ask that we all pause for a 
moment to remember Karl Johnson, a leader in the community of Grand 
Junction, Colorado who recently passed away at age 86. Karl spent 32 
years of his life protecting the citizens of Grand Junction as a police 
officer. It is this life of service to his community, state and nation 
that I would now like to honor.
  From 1954 to 1974, Karl served as the chief of police. During his 20 
years he closed the door on corrupt activities and brought respect back 
to his police department. ``He ran a tight ship and no scandals and 
that wasn't true of those before him,'' said Frank Spieker, a former 
Mesa County district attorney. It was no easy task to keep the 
department scandal-free for two decades, but according to Bob Evers, he 
was the leading force in restoring integrity to his department.
  At the time Karl was police chief, there wasn't a Police Academy in 
the state of Colorado. Karl worked with the FBI to put on training 
sessions of officers in his department and from surrounding agencies. 
``He was a bit ahead of his time in that respect,'' said Vincent Jones, 
the FBI agent based on Grand Junction at the time.
  Chief Johnson's yeoman's work in the Police Department was just one 
of many ways he served his community, said Terry Farina, who worked 
with him as a district attorney. After his retirement from the police 
department, Karl went on to win a seat on the city council and spent a 
year as mayor.
  Mr. Speaker, Karl was a man of great character whose leadership and 
integrity left an impact on the Grand Junction Police Department that 
can still be felt today. For that, we are grateful.
  It is clear, Mr. Speaker, that Grand Junction is a better place 
because of Karl's service. Though he will be missed greatly, Karl will 
not soon be forgotten.

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