[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E208-E209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING POLICE CHIEF KENNETH CRUZ OF GUILFORD ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 
                               RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 26, 2002

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to pay tribute to an outstanding member of the Guilford community and a 
dear friend, Kenneth Cruz, Chief of the Guilford Police Department on 
the occasion of his retirement. He has been an active member of the law 
enforcement community for over three decades and has served with the 
utmost dedication and integrity.
  Recent times have brought a renewed public respect for our nation's 
law enforcement officials and the very real dangers they face. From the 
tragic events of Columbine to the devastating attacks of September 11, 
the skill, dedication and commitment of our law enforcement officials 
has been tested. From these tragedies lessons have been learned and 
higher expectations have been made for those who dedicate their lives 
to protecting our communities. In these times, we have looked to our 
police officers for guidance and reassurance.
  Chief Cruz started his career with the New Haven Police Department in 
1968 where he served for sixteen years. In that time, he achieved the 
rank of commander and left to accept an appointment as Chief of the 
Guilford Police Department where he spent the remainder of his career. 
He was elected President of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, 
a statewide organization that diligently promotes the needs of 
Connecticut's law enforcement community. During his tenure he worked 
with state and federal legislators to ensure that the voices of 
Connecticut's police officers were heard.

[[Page E209]]

  In addition to his professional career, Chief Cruz made it a priority 
to be actively involved in Guilford and the surrounding communities. 
Under his leadership, the Guilford Police Department was one of the 
first departments to join the efforts of the Yale Child Study Center 
and its Child Development Community Policing program. This program is 
designed to address issues of domestic violence, child abuse, and 
juvenile justice in a way which focuses on community, partnership, 
innovation and prevention--four elements which are all too often 
missing from our response to violent crime. By participating in annual 
conferences and sharing ideas and successes with leaders from other 
areas, these efforts have made a real difference in the lives of 
thousands of children who otherwise would fall through the cracks of 
our system.
  With all of his work, at the Department and in the community, Chief 
Cruz still made time to be of great assistance to myself and my staff. 
He has been an invaluable resource to us all and I want to extend my 
deepest thanks and sincere appreciation for all of his support.
  Chief Kenneth Cruz has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment and 
has left an indelible mark on the Town of Guilford--he will be missed. 
As he celebrates his retirement, I am proud to rise today to join his 
wife, Virginia; daughter, Dawn; his three grandchildren, family, 
friends, and colleagues in wishing him the very best for many more 
years of health and happiness.

                          ____________________