[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 56 (Monday, April 30, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S4034]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RETIREMENT OF CHIEF ROBERT LANGSTON

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the dedicated 
service of my good friend and committed public servant, Chief Robert E. 
Langston, upon his retirement from the U.S. Park Police Force. After 35 
years on the force, including the last 10 years as chief, Robert 
Langston stepped down earlier this month a day prior to his 60th 
birthday, the mandatory retirement age for all Park Police officers. He 
leaves behind an impressive legacy of dedication, integrity, 
commitment, and success as the leader of one of the oldest law 
enforcement agencies in the country.
  Robert Langston was born and raised in Washington, D.C., and joined 
the Park Police shortly after he graduated from Florida State 
University at the young age of 24 years old. Through hard work and 
dedication he gradually ascended to the impressive rank of U.S. Park 
Police Chief.
  As chief, he oversaw the policing of the national park grounds in 
Washington, New York, and San Francisco. He worked tirelessly and 
sacrificed much in order to ensure the safety of the thousands who used 
or visited these grounds, and the agency flourished under his 
leadership. Chief Langston consistently went above the call of duty to 
make sure all Americans, and anyone visiting our Nation from abroad, 
would be safe while on the national park grounds.
  He is to be commended for his exemplary service to the U.S. Park 
Police Department, and to this fine Nation. The force is stronger 
because of Chief Langston's dedicated leadership, and he can take great 
pride in all that he accomplished during his noteworthy tenure. Chief 
Langston has made countless contributions to the U.S. Park Police 
Department during his distinguished career. He has been a friend, 
teacher, and a model of excellence to the many fine men and women who 
had the honor to serve alongside Chief Langston. Bob Langston is a 
great man and a truly great American. He was an asset to the U.S. Park 
Police, and I am certain that though his presence will be missed, his 
influence will continue for generations to come.

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