[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 89 (Wednesday, June 29, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S7611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO SHERIFF JUAN HERNANDEZ

 Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to one of 
New Mexico's finest public servants, Sheriff Juan Hernandez of Las 
Cruces whom I am honored to consider a good friend as well.
  There are few people in my State's history who have been honored with 
a special day to recognize their legacy and accomplishments. On 
December 31, 2004, the Dona Ana County Commission honored retiring Dona 
Ana County Sheriff Juan Hernandez for his 6 years of service by 
proclaiming Friday the 31st as Juan Hernandez Day.
  Today, I seek to honor this man who has given greatly to his 
community and to the people of Dona Ana County through his allegiance 
to public service. Juan has worked in law enforcement for 34 years with 
both the Sheriff's Department and the Las Cruces Police Department. He 
served as the Dona Ana County Sheriff from January of 1999 to January 
of 2005, and I believe it is for this post Juan will always be 
remembered.
  In this elected position, Juan sought not to just serve his county 
but to find ways to improve it. Though his official title was 
``Sheriff,'' he earned himself an added title as the ``Grant Writing 
Machine.'' Over the past 6 years, Juan Hernandez secured $4.8 million 
in Federal grants for a variety of programs whose missions ranged from 
combating drug use and drunk driving to fighting crime and terrorism 
within the county.
  Juan Hernandez's accolades are numerous and his hard work undeniable. 
While I could certainly continue at great length in listing his 
accomplishments, I believe his own words most eloquently describe the 
man behind the badge: ``When you really make an effort to make a 
difference, the rewards are greater than you can ever imagine.''
  I feel especially honored to have seen this man's work first-hand and 
to have joined his efforts over the past years to develop Dona Ana 
County. Juan, you have made a difference in many lives, and for that 
you have my and the State of New Mexico's continued respect and 
admiration.

                          ____________________