[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 103 (Thursday, July 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING RETIRING MADERA POLICE OFFICERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2002

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Madera Police 
Chief Jerry Noblett, Commander Michael L. Jeffries, Sergeant Leon C. 
George, Detective Walter Dale Padgett, and Crime Prevention Officer Joe 
R. Garza on the occasion of their retirement from the Madera Police 
Department. A retirement celebration will be held for these dedicated 
individuals on July 20, 2002.
  Chief Jerry Noblett's efforts have made a tremendous impact on the 
Madera Police Department. He began his law enforcement career as a 
reserve deputy in 1972, and in 1973 he was appointed as a police 
officer. Jerry obtained a bachelors degree in Criminology from 
California State University, Fresno. He swiftly moved up the ranks and, 
in 1977, was promoted to the rank of sergeant in the patrol division. 
When Chief Colston retired, in July 1997, Jerry was promoted to Chief 
of Police. Chief Noblett's contributions have been expansive through 
his career in law enforcement, but Jerry has also served the community 
by participating on many boards, including the Madera Chamber of 
Commerce and the Madera Kiwanis.
  Commander Michael L. Jeffries began his law enforcement career with 
Madera in August of 1972. He earned the department's Medal of Valor in 
1996 for his bravery in the handling of a barricaded suspect. Sergeant 
Leon C. George also joined law enforcement in 1972, but began his 
career in Los Angeles. He joined the Madera Police Department in 
December of 1984 and has received many commendations for his 
performance. Police Officer Walter Dale Padgett began his career in 
October of 1970 with the Madera Police Department. He was chosen as the 
Police Officer of the Year for the department in 1997. Crime Prevention 
Officer Joe R. Garza's law enforcement career originated in Fresno in 
June of 1977. Two years later he joined the Madera team, and has worked 
on a range of cases, including being the first Crime Prevention Officer 
in Madera.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate these men on the occasion 
of their retirement. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking them 
for their service to the community and for their valor.

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