[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 29, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S1732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                       COL. EDWIN D. STRICKFADEN

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to ask the Senate to 
join me in honoring the retirement of Col. Edwin D. Strickfaden, 
director of the Idaho State Police. Colonel Strickfaden retired on 
December 31, 2002, after faithfully serving the citizens of Idaho for 
35 years. I join with many Idahoans in recognizing Colonel 
Strickfaden's career as a sterling example of dedication to public 
safety and service to others.
  Enormous is the debt owed by us to the men and women who work in law 
enforcement, who, every day put their lives on the line to defend the 
rights and liberties we enjoy. Colonel Strickfaden exemplifies the 
sacrifices made by these exceptional people. He is deserving of our 
respect and honor as he concludes his distinguished career.
  Edwin D. Strickfaden's career with the Idaho State Police began in 
1967 at the conclusion of 4 years of service to his country in the U.S. 
Air Force. He started with the Idaho State Police serving at the King 
Hill Port-of-Entry facility in King Hill, ID. He was made officer-in-
charge of the facility in 1969. A year later, he was again promoted and 
assigned to the District Two office in Lewiston. In all, Colonel 
Strickfaden served in six offices of the Idaho State Police throughout 
Idaho, in three of them as commander. The year's many changes and 
transfers afforded him vast experience in all aspects of Idaho law 
enforcement and many opportunities to serve the people of Idaho.
  One of many salient moments that defined Mr. Strickfaden's 
distinguished career is a time when he dove into the icy December 
waters of the Clearwater River to rescue a woman from a submerged 
vehicle, an action given special recognition by then-Governor Cecil 
Andrus. This action typified the courage and dedication he was known 
for throughout his 35-year career.
  The invaluable knowledge and experience that Colonel Strickfaden 
gained through many years of service became critical in 1998 when he 
was asked to serve as director of the Department of Law Enforcement. 
Under Colonel Strickfaden's leadership, the former Department of Law 
Enforcement and State Police were combined into a single agency. The 
new Idaho State Police has become an effective organization with 
numerous successes in the war on drugs and other enforcement issues in 
Idaho. True to this mission, Idaho has experienced a decline in illegal 
drug use since Colonel Strickfaden served as director of the Idaho 
State Police. Without the effective work of the Idaho State Police, our 
ability to live in a safe and secure environment would be compromised. 
Colonel Strickfaden's tireless efforts have helped reach the goal of 
making Idaho a safe and secure environment for all of its residents.
  As he enters a new phase of his life, I know my Senate colleagues 
will join me in thanking Colonel Strickfaden on his distinguished 
career as an Idaho State Police Officer and wish him every success in 
his future endeavors.

                          ____________________