[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2006-E2007]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO SHERIFF RIECKE CLAUSSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to take this opportunity 
to honor Sheriff Riecke Claussen of Mesa County, Colorado on the 
occasion of his retirement from the Mesa County Sheriff's Office. 
Sheriff Claussen has given countless hours of service to the 
communities of Mesa County over the years and I am honored to pay 
tribute to him today before this body of Congress and this nation.
  Riecke is a homegrown leader, growing up in the Grand Valley, 
graduating from Mesa

[[Page E2007]]

State College, and working his way up the ranks of the Mesa County 
Sheriff's Office. After obtaining his certification from the Colorado 
Peace Officers Standards and Training Board, Riecke began working for 
the Sheriff's Office in 1971 as a Patrol Deputy. In 1974, Riecke was 
promoted to Sergeant and then to Investigator in 1976. After eight 
years in that position, Riecke was tapped to become the Lieutenant in 
charge of Investigations. Then, in 1990, he was elected to Sheriff and 
began his twelve distinctive years in that post. With over 30 years of 
service to the residents of Mesa County, Sheriff Claussen's positive 
impact on the Grand Valley is immeasurable.
  Riecke has always been highly active in the community and state, and 
with the help of his wife, Nancy, has raised their daughter Lisa in the 
Grand Valley. He has also contributed to several professional 
organizations and serves as a board member of the Peace Officers 
Standards and Training Board, the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug 
Trafficking Area Executive Board, the Colorado Attorney General's 
Victim Assistance Project Board, and the County Sheriff's of Colorado 
Board.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Sheriff Riecke Claussen 
before this body of Congress and this nation for his outstanding 
leadership and impeccable character. The citizens of Mesa County have 
certainly been honored by the service of Sheriff Claussen and, as he 
moves into retirement, I look forward to seeing Riecke continue as an 
important asset to Colorado and the communities of the Western Slope.

                          ____________________