[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 96 (Wednesday, July 11, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF SERGEANT RON PACKARD, OFFICER JOE REIS AND 
        OFFICER JOHN NYIKES OF THE UNION CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 11, 2001

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, on July 14, 2001, the Union City Police 
Department will celebrate the retirement of three of its finest 
officers, Sergeant Ron Packard, Officer Joe Reis and Officer John 
Nyikes.
  Sergeant Ron Packard began his law enforcement career with the Union 
City Police Department on November 1, 1968. His first assignment was 
undercover at a local high school, posing as a student. During the day, 
he attended classes with the intention of identifying sales and 
distribution of illegal drugs on campus. In the evenings, he completed 
class homework assignments and police reports. Sergeant Packard 
progressed in his career and was promoted from Officer to Sergeant on 
January 16, 1974. He has served as a Firearms Instructor and Range 
Master, SWAT member, and has supervised a number of divisions, 
including Traffic Investigations and Patrol. Sergeant Packard was 
instrumental in developing the Union City Police Department's current 
Canine Program and is currently the Canine Program Manager. During his 
off-duty hours, Sergeant Packard enjoys participating in local and 
international Police and Fire Olympic Games, and is the recipient of 
numerous silver and gold medals in archery.
  Officer Joe Reis, President of the Union City Police Officers 
Association, began his career in law enforcement on December 16, 1974. 
During his tenure with the Union City Police Department, Officer Reis 
worked as a Field Training Officer for ten years. He was responsible 
for training new Police Officers in Union City and assisted in 
developing a Recruit Training Manual for the Department. Officer Reiss 
continued his enthusiasm for teaching by becoming the instructor of 
``Introduction of Administration of Justice'' at James Logan High 
School for five years. In addition, Officer Reis was one of the 
Department's Firearms Instructors for nineteen years and was assigned 
as the Court Liaison Officer with the District Attorney's Office for 
four years. For the past eight years, Officer Reis has served on an 
assignment he considers the most rewarding, as a D.A.R.E. officer 
working with the New Haven Unified School District.
  Officer John Nyikes began his career in law enforcement as a Detroit 
Police Officer for eight years where he was awarded a meritorious 
citation. He was hired by the Union City Police Department on July 2, 
1980. While assigned Patrol duties with the Department, Officer Nyikes 
worked as a Field Training Officer and was responsible for training new 
police officers in Union City. Officer Nyikes was transferred from the 
Patrol Division to the Investigations Division where he has received 
many letters of commendation for his teamwork and clearances of crimes 
ranging from homicides to arson, and recovery of stolen property.
  I am honored to join the colleagues of Sergeant Packard and Officers 
Reis and Nyikes in commending them for their many years of dedicated 
and exemplary service to law enforcement. They have left their 
indelible mark of excellence on the Union City Police Department.

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