[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 115 (Wednesday, September 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1681]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING HAWTHORNE POLICE CHIEF JOHN L. SHANNON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2004

  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Police Chief John L. 
Shannon, Jr. of Hawthorne, New Jersey. Chief Shannon retires at the end 
of September, concluding a nearly 36 year career in law enforcement. In 
fact, Chief Shannon has spent much of his life bravely serving our 
country--first as a decorated soldier in the United States Air Force 
stationed in Vietnam and later as a committed member and leader of 
Hawthorne's Police Force. I commend Chief Shannon for his dedication to 
our nation and its ideals of justice and freedom, both at home and 
abroad; Chief Shannon's lifetime of service is befitting a true 
patriot.
  Since first joining the Hawthorne Police Department in 1968, and with 
each position he has held between Patrolman and Police Chief, Chief 
Shannon has continually worked to improve the safety and quality of 
life for Hawthorne residents by involving them in Police Department 
decisions and programs. Chief Shannon was a leader in the development 
of the Cops in Schools program in Hawthorne to ensure that, while in 
school, students can concentrate on achievement and not be distracted 
by concerns for their safety. He established a School Emergency 
Response Plan, implemented a Junior Police Academy, created a traffic 
unit to focus on motorcycles and drunk and aggressive driving, and 
worked with seniors and business owners to create targeted crime 
prevention programs. Chief Shannon introduced the community policing 
concept to Hawthorne and thus encouraged residents and police to work 
together to improve their shared community.
  Judging by the unanimous vote that allowed Chief Shannon to serve for 
3 terms as the President of the Passaic County Chiefs Association, his 
Vice Presidency and role as State Delegate of the Hawthorne PBA Local 
200, and his membership in the New Jersey, National and International 
Police Chiefs Associations, Chief Shannon is clearly admired and 
respected by his peers. The impact of his leadership will be seen for 
years to come in Hawthorne and Passaic County.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Chief Shannon for his estimable service and wish 
him well in his much deserved retirement.

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