[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 87 (Tuesday, June 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              COMMENDING LEXINGTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE ROTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 22, 2004

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend a 
public servant of 31 years, Chief William M. (Mike) Roth of the 
Lexington, South Carolina Police Department. Under his leadership, the 
Lexington Police Department grew from a force of ten to thirty-one 
officers that currently serve a population of 16,000 citizens. His 
innovative approaches to criminal justice issues have resulted in the 
establishment of a full-time traffic unit, an Emergency Service (SWAT) 
Team, and the institution of Community-Oriented Policing.
  Chief Roth was also personally responsible for the establishment of 
the Department's Investigative Division that includes a Child and Elder 
Abuse Investigator and a full-time Victims Advocate. Additionally, he 
was instrumental in the creation of such local school-based programming 
as School Resource Officers and DARE classes for elementary and middle 
school students.
  Under Chief Roth's leadership, the Department received many awards 
and recognitions, developed and implemented the ``Adopt-a-Cop'' 
development, and contributed to the establishment of the Lexington 
Keeping Every Youth Safe (KEYS) after-school program.
  His hands-on approach to law enforcement management and dedication to 
the community serves as an example for other police departments to 
follow.
  In conclusion, may God bless our troops and we will never forget 
September 11th.

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