[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1900-E1901]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING SHERIFF JIM PICCININI FOR HIS OUT[chyph]STAND[chyph]ING 
                 SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF SONOMA COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, we rise today to recognize 
Jim Piccinini, who is retiring as Sheriff-Coroner of Sonoma County, 
California after thirty-four years of service to his community.
  Sheriff Piccinini began his career in public safety with the Roseland 
Fire Protection District in 1968. He progressed through the ranks

[[Page E1901]]

until he attained the position of Battalion Chief in 1976. While 
working for the Roseland Fire Department, he joined the reserve ranks 
of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department. He resigned from the Fire 
Department in 1976 when he joined the active ranks of the Sheriff's 
Department.
  Sheriff Piccinini again advanced through the ranks, holding every 
position in the Department, and was appointed Assistant Sheriff and 
Acting Sheriff in 1997. Sheriff Piccinini stood for election in 1998 
and took office as Sheriff in 1998.
  During his tenure, Sheriff Piccinini was responsible for creating the 
Administrative Fiscal Unit, the Volunteers in Policing Program, and the 
Peer Support Program. He was also instrumental in developing and 
implementing the Mentally Ill Offender Program, the countywide 
Narcotics Task Force, and the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Chaplaincy 
Program.
  He implemented the highly successful Citizen's Academy and oversaw 
all twelve classes, negotiated the purchase of property for the Sonoma 
Valley Substation and established the Department's firing range.
  Because of his outstanding career in law enforcement and his 
unparalleled level of leadership and achievement, he was awarded the 
Sonoma County Sheriffs Department Distinguished Service Award in 2002.
  Mr. Speaker, Sheriff Piccinini is a public servant of remarkable 
talent and commitment and it is therefore appropriate for us to honor 
him today and to wish him well in his retirement.

                          ____________________