[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 173 (Monday, November 24, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S15811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CHARLES ``CHARLIE'' EDWARD BYRD: IN MEMORIAM

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I share with my colleagues the 
memory of former Siskiyou County Sheriff Charles ``Charlie'' Edward 
Byrd who passed away on September 23, 2003 in Weed, CA. Charles Byrd 
had a remarkable career in law enforcement in Siskiyou County, and will 
be remembered as the first black sheriff in California.
  A native and lifetime resident of Weed, Charles Byrd was born on July 
6, 1947. He attended local schools and was a standout football player 
earning the ``Lineman of the Year'' honor from Weed High School in 
1965. In 1967, while attending the College of the Siskiyous, Charles 
Byrd began his career in law enforcement as a reserve police officer 
with the Weed Police Department and became a full-time officer the 
following year. In April of 1975 he was promoted to Police Chief, and 
in 1986 he was elected Sheriff of Siskiyou County.
  Charles Byrd's career in law enforcement broke color barriers as he 
was both the first black police officer in the town of Weed, and the 
first black sheriff in California. During his 16 years as Sheriff, 
Charlie Byrd's motto for the department was ``We Can.'' This motto led 
to countless improvements for Siskiyou County, including the 
development of the Siskiyou County Inter-Agency Narcotics Task Force, 
expansion of public safety programs, establishment of the Domestic 
Violence Response Team and Advisory Committee, formation of a detective 
bureau and expansion of technology and training within the department.
  Dedication to his community was also a top priority for Charles Byrd. 
In addition to making the Sheriff's Department accessible to the 
community at public events, he was a member of several professional and 
community organizations. Among the many associations to which Sheriff 
Byrd devoted his time were: the California Peace Officers' Association, 
California Police Chiefs' Association, Weed Chamber of Commerce, Weed 
Rotary Club, Habitat for Humanity, Weed Baptist Church, College of the 
Siskiyous Auxiliary Foundation Board of Directors, California State 
Sheriffs' Association and Western States Sheriffs' Association.
  Siskiyou County Supervisor LaVada Erickson commented, ``Sheriff Byrd 
looked upon Siskiyou County as an extension of his personal family, and 
we were treated as such. Law enforcement was his first pledge and 
commitment. He was very aware of our at-risk youth and was committed to 
encouraging the continuation of education for the enhancement it would 
bring to their lives. He was a quiet giant of a man with a heart that 
contained only the best for Siskiyou.''
  Charles Byrd is survived by his mother, Eddie Byrd; sisters Ella 
Byrd, Charlene Byrd, Rose Applewhite; and brothers Larry Byrd, Arnold 
Byrd and Al Bearden.
  Sheriff Charles Byrd will always be remembered for his many 
contributions to law enforcement and to the betterment of Siskiyou 
County. His legacy will be cherished by his community for years to 
come.

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