[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1418]]
A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO NORMAN M. WALKER IN RECOGNITION OF HIS 25 YEARS OF 
              SERVICE WITH THE DEFIANCE POLICE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
pay special tribute to an outstanding gentleman from Ohio's Fifth 
Congressional District. Norm Walker of Defiance, Ohio, will celebrate 
twenty-five years of dedicated service with the Defiance Police 
Department on August 15, 2002.
  Mr. Speaker, Norm began work with the Defiance Police Department in 
1977, and, over the years, has risen through the ranks to his current 
position serving as Chief of Police. On his way to becoming Chief of 
Police, he served as a Patrolman, Sergeant, Detective, Lieutenant, and 
as the Assistant Chief of Police.
  Norm has proven his skills as an effective leader and organizational 
manager. In 1993 he assumed control of the city's law enforcement 
branch, and since then the Defiance Police Department has become a 
model after which other local police departments can pattern 
themselves.
  During Norm's tenure as Chief of Police he has led the effort to 
modernize the departments resources, including the upgrading of all 
computer and communication equipment. These upgrades also include the 
installation of Mobile Data Terminals, which are in-car computers that 
provide real time data to the patrolmen on duty. He has also increased 
the overall size of the department, and mandated leadership training 
for all newly promoted officers. Restructuring the department's 
organizational methodology to a more pro-active approach through the 
introduction of community oriented policing strategies has been one of 
Norm's largest accomplishments since taking over as Chief of Police.
  Norm has been recognized for his diligent service and unselfish 
commitment to establishing a modern and pro-active law enforcement 
agency. Among his numerous awards and recognition, he has received a 
Certificate of Exemplary Service by the Domestic Violence Task Force 
for the development and implementation of a countywide response 
protocol. Norm has also been honored by the Gang Resistance Education 
and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program for his instrumental role in 
implementing the program within the local school system.
  Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues to join me in paying special 
tribute to Norm Walker. Our local public service agencies and the 
American people are better served through the diligence and 
determination of public servants, like Norm, who dedicate their lives 
to serving the needs of others. I am confident that Norm will continue 
to serve his community and positively influence others around him. We 
wish him the very best on this special occasion.

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