[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   FIRST LIEUTENANT KEVIN R. DENECKE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2005

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding member of the Michigan State Police, First Lieutenant Kevin 
Denecke. On January 28th, F/Lt. Denecke retired as the Commander of the 
Manistique State Police Post in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, closing the 
final chapter of his career dedicated to serving the people of the 
State of Michigan. F/Lt. Denecke's 25 years as a law enforcement 
officer and leader stand as a shining example to us all.
  A native of the Detroit area, Kevin R. Denecke graduated from Edsel 
Ford High School in Dearborn, Michigan in 1974. He then went on to 
attend Northern Michigan University in Marquette where he earned a 
Bachelor of Science degree in law enforcement and security 
administration, graduating cum laude in 1978.
  In the fall of 1979, Kevin began his career with the Michigan State 
Police as a graduate of the 96th Recruit School, and was assigned to 
the Munising Post. Over the years he has served in communities across 
the State of Michigan as a shift supervisor, a narcotics officer, on 
the Governor's security detail, and as a unit commander.
  In May 1989, he was promoted to Detective Lieutenant and became the 
commander of the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET). 
During his final tenure as commander of UPSET, his multi-jurisdictional 
street narcotics team covered twelve counties of Michigan's Upper 
Peninsula.
  After three years leading UPSET, Mr. Denecke was promoted to First 
Lieutenant, and made commander of the Manistique Post. Known as ``the 
LT'' to the officers at the post, F/Lt. Denecke has earned a reputation 
throughout his career as a strong leader who goes out of his way to 
help the officers under him grow and advance professionally.
  On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, as a former State Trooper myself, I 
have had the pleasure of knowing F/Lt. Denecke over the years, 
particularly during his time undercover and when he was on the 
Governor's detail. I have always enjoyed his friendship, and admired 
his service to the people of Michigan's First Congressional District.
  Although F/Lt. Denecke's career with the Michigan State Police has 
ended, he will continue to serve the public as the Michigan Municipal 
Risk Management Authority's Upper Peninsula representative. In this new 
role, he will be helping local governments reduce their personal and 
liability risks while better serving their residents.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
thanking First Lieutenant Kevin R. Denecke for his 25 years of service 
to the people of the State of Michigan and in wishing him well in his 
new position. His commitment to community and to justice have been a 
model of public service. He will be missed by the Michigan State Police 
and the people he so competently and bravely served.

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