[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 48 (Thursday, April 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E645-E646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2005 ST. CHARLES CRIME STOPPERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENNY C. HULSHOF

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 27, 2006

  Mr. HULSHOF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 2005 St. 
Charles Crime Stoppers award winners. For those of you not familiar 
with the program, Crime Stoppers began 30 years ago in the state of New 
Mexico as a community partnership to help combat crime. This community 
partnership consists of the local authorities, the press and area 
residents. Since its inception, Crime Stoppers has expanded to all 50 
states, including the District of Columbia, as well as worldwide with 
programs in Canada, Europe, Australia, parts of Southeast Asia and 
other locales. In total, there are 1,200 programs worldwide.
  Oftentimes, when a crime is committed, there is generally a witness 
who has either seen firsthand the act take place or has knowledge that 
could lead to the arrest of the perpetrator. Whether it is a mugging, a 
drug deal or an auto theft, someone in the local community has 
information. The obstacle local law enforcement face is that many of 
these tipsters are reluctant to come forward for fear of retaliation by 
these criminals or for other personal reasons.
  The solution is Crime Stoppers, which provides witnesses with a safe 
and anonymous way to relay tips, and therefore avoid having to go on 
the record and fear reprisals. While Crime Stoppers tips generally do 
not provide police with the evidence needed to make an arrest, the 
information does provide police with leads that have ultimately led to 
a countless number of arrests and prosecutions. Rewards also help 
reluctant tipsters to come forward with information.
  I would like to take a moment to highlight the 13 2005 St. Charles 
award winners. Michael Shipley was honored as the Law Enforcement 
Officer of the Year. For 14 years, Mike has dutifully served the local 
community both as an officer with the St. Charles Police Department but 
also as a mentor and coach to the local youth. He may be best known for 
his role as head trainer at St. Charles Boxing where he helps kids 
learn the ``sweet science'' but most importantly stay out of trouble.
  Kimberly Huffman was honored as the Crime Stoppers Civilian Employee 
of the Year. After completing the police academy and beginning her work 
as a police officer, Kim was devastated to learn that she had been 
diagnosed with a medical condition that would preclude her from 
fulfilling her day-to-day duties. As a result, Kim resigned as an 
officer and began to work as a communications specialist with the 
department, where she excelled. Recently, Kim was ecstatic to learn 
that her condition had been misdiagnosed and will be able

[[Page E646]]

to again pursue her dream of becoming a police officer.

  The Neighborhood Block Captains Award was presented to Randy and Jan 
Joeckel for their work in their neighborhood, Hanover Manor. The 
Joeckel's have diligently worked to maintain a safe and crime free 
neighborhood by organizing neighborhood watches and community meetings 
to help keep tabs of developing problems.
  Jim Trenary Chevrolet was the recipient of the 2005 Crime Stoppers 
Business of the Year Award. Jim Trenary employees have been extremely 
active in the local community with various fundraising efforts to help 
out good causes. Jim Trenary Chevrolet has also been an invaluable tool 
to the St. Charles Police Department by providing cars to be used for 
surveillance and sting operations.
  The 2005 Crime Stoppers Special Recognition Award was presented to 
Thomas Benton. After retiring from 20 years of service to the St. 
Charles Police Department, Thomas became the director of security for a 
local casino. Never one to forget his law enforcement skills, Thomas 
was able to help local authorities identify two suspects from two 
different bank robberies using casino surveillance tapes and testimony 
from casino employees.
  St. Charles Suburban Journal reporter Jason Lee received the Crime 
Stoppers Media Relations Award. Jason's reporting on area crime was 
detailed and thorough and he helped create awareness for the program by 
including Crime Stoppers information in his articles. Jason also proved 
to be an asset to the St. Charles Police Department, as he helped out 
with leads on certain cases.
  The 2005 Citizen Award was presented to Renee & Derrick Rivers, 
Colleen Clifford, John Hanley, Susan & Andy Quinones, Ann Walton, Ann 
Grice and Stacey Nelson. All of the Citizen Award recipients were 
actively involved in helping apprehending suspects and thwarting future 
crimes. And in one particular case, an infant's life was saved by 
arresting a mother for child abuse and endangerment.
  I commend all these recipients and hope my colleagues share in my 
admiration for the Crime Stoppers. I encourage all Americans to learn 
more about this wonderful partnership.

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