[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 54 (Thursday, April 3, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                COMMENDING SHERIFF HAROLD N. HAL BARKER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2003

  Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to commend and thank Sheriff 
Harold N. ``Hal'' Barker for his public service as the Sheriff of El 
Dorado County, California. His retirement in January of this year 
marked the end of a law enforcement career that lasted four and a half 
decades and spanned from Southern to Northern California.
  Law enforcement is one of the most basic and honorable services 
provided by government. Those who put their own lives on the line to 
uphold peace and order and protect their fellow citizens deserve the 
thanks and respect of all. It is in this spirit that I thank Hal Barker 
for his leadership and hard work in helping make California safe and 
prosperous.
  Hal's professional service has consisted of both excellent training 
and extensive experience. His formal education includes an Associate of 
Arts degree in Police Science from Ventura College, a Bachelor of 
Science degree in Police Administration from California State 
University at Los Angeles, and a Master of Public Administration degree 
from the University of Southern California. Additionally, he graduated 
from the P.O.S.T. Command College and graduated first in his class from 
the FBI National Academy, earning the Hoover Medal.
  Hal first hit the street as a reserve officer in the Santa Paula 
Police Department in 1958, ultimately rising to the rank of captain and 
assistant chief. From 1974 to 1984, he was the San Mateo County 
Assistant Sheriff. During that time, he acted as the San Francisco 
International Airport Police Chief for 18 months. Then, in 1984, he 
began a 12-year tenure as Chief of the Folsom Police Department. In 
this capacity, he led the department through a period of unprecedented 
growth.
  In 1997, Hal was appointed Sheriff in El Dorado County, and was 
elected to the position for a full term the following year. As Sheriff, 
he managed 400 employees and a $30 billion budget in a growing county.
  I join with the communities he has protected to thank Hal Barker for 
his long and distinguished service. I am proud to call him a friend, 
and I wish him well in all of his future endeavors.

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