[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 11, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E946-E947]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF MR. JOHN PEDRO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 11, 2005

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of California 
Highway Patrol Officer John Pedro, an influential member of the Santa 
Cruz community. On June 3, 2002, Officer Pedro was tragically killed in 
a traffic collision that occurred while attempting to overtake and 
initiate an enforcement stop on a vehicle. Officer Pedro is survived by 
his wife Colleen, daughter Sara, mother, Kay and sisters, Kathy and 
Tammy.
  Officer Pedro was born in Watsonville, CA on June 17, 1965 and 
graduated from Watsonville High School in 1983. He obtained an 
Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts and Music. Officer Pedro 
joined the United States Military as an Army Reservist in 1989. He 
subsequently transferred to the Air Force Reserves in 1991. While 
playing trombone for the Air Force Band, he met the love of his life, 
Colleen. Officer Pedro married Colleen on March 27, 1993. They were 
soon blessed by the birth of their daughter, Sara, on March 19, 2000.
  Officer Pedro entered the California Highway Patrol Academy on July 
31, 1989 and graduated on December 21, 1989. His first assignment was 
with the San Jose CHP. He also worked in the Redwood City CHP, Hayward 
CHP, Coastal Division, Gilroy Inspection Facility, and Santa Cruz CHP. 
Throughout his career as an officer, Officer Pedro had always expressed 
a desire to develop his expertise in the field of commercial vehicles, 
specifically focusing on highway safety and enforcement.
  Mr. Speaker, I am joined by Officer Pedro's family and fiends to 
honor his life and contributions to the community. In appreciation for

[[Page E947]]

his duty, the California State Senate via Concurrent Resolution No. 67, 
officially designated the location of State Route 1 between Harkins 
Slough Road and the Pajaro River Bridge, in Santa Cruz County, as the 
``CHAP Officer John Pedro Memorial Highway''. Through this dedication, 
our community will eternally remember the sacrifices made by Officer 
Pedro and others who have laid down their lives to fulfill a pledge of 
unwavering dedication to the people of the State of California

                          ____________________