[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 57 (Tuesday, May 1, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E674-E675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING TOM SAWYER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY A. CONDIT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2001

  Mr. CONDIT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished 
career of my good friend Merced County Sheriff-Coroner Tom Sawyer. 
Today, Tom retires after 34 years as a peace officer. True to his 
nature, he is only stepping aside from one venture to begin another.
  I have had the privilege of working with Tom on a wide variety of 
issues since his earlier service with the California Highway Patrol. He 
is a respected member of the law enforcement community and is known for 
his dedication to the community.
  Tom has worked on many statewide issues. He serves on the California 
State Board of Corrections and was instrumental in establishing the 
Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, where he continues 
to serve as the Intelligence Committee chairman. Since becoming sheriff 
he has overseen a department that has grown by leaps and bounds.
  He has been successful working with the COPs program to put more 
deputies on the street. He has worked tirelessly to expand the presence 
of the Merced County Sheriff's Department to transform his vision of 
improved correctional facilities and the department's relationship with 
the community. He has done each of these remarkably well.
  One prime example is the Explorer Scouts program. When he began his 
tenure as sheriff, the group consisted of 8 members. Now, I am proud to 
report to my colleagues, the program thrives with more than 150 
outstanding young men and women. Volunteerism is up and through Tom's 
leadership new substations help secure and ensure the safety of our 
communities. He has guided the department through growth in many areas 
including an impressive search and rescue system on land, water and in 
the air.

[[Page E675]]

  Mr. Speaker, Tom's career as Merced County Sheriff-Coroner is 
distinguished. He has set standards for others to follow. He will be 
missed. I am proud to call him my friend and would ask my colleagues in 
the House of Representatives to rise and join me in thanking him for a 
job well done and wishing him the best in his retirement.

                          ____________________