[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 130 (Thursday, November 16, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S11054]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO CHUCK LARSON, SR.

 Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, one of the joys of my job as a 
Senator is working closely with talented, dedicated Iowans from all 
walks of life. One of those exceptional people is Chuck Larson, Sr., 
U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Iowa. With his retirement 
next month, he will conclude an extraordinary career in public service 
spanning nearly four decades.
  Chuck has dedicated his life to the law and public safety, as 
director of Iowa public safety in the 1970s, as a consultant in Saudi 
Arabia to the Kingdom's Highway Patrol Project in the early 1980s, as 
director of the Governor's Office of Drug Control Policy, and as a 
member of the President's Drug Free Communities Committee. In December, 
he will complete two terms as U.S. attorney for the Northern District 
of Iowa.
  My staff and I have worked closely with Chuck for many years. I could 
cite many examples of his leadership and professional excellence, but 
one instance stands out in particular. Some time ago, my office was 
contacted by members of an Iowa jurisdiction where various law 
enforcement agencies and key players in the community were not 
communicating effectively, leading to an increase in drug and gang 
activity. My staff contacted Chuck, and he intervened in that community 
personally and directly. He set up meetings with community members and 
law enforcement agencies and brought them together in a positive 
spirit. Today, that community is considered a national model for 
cooperation in the fight against drugs and gangs. And one thing that 
all groups in the community agree on is that it was Chuck's leadership 
and personal skills--going above and beyond his job description--that 
led to this success. Thanks to Chuck's work in that community and cross 
my State, Iowa is a better, safer place to live, work, and raise a 
family. Indeed, there is no doubt in my mind that Chuck's dedicated 
work is one big reason why Iowa has one of the lowest crime rates in 
the United States.
  One key to Chuck's success is that he speaks with the authority of a 
seasoned veteran of decades on the front line fighting crime and 
improving public safety. Throughout his distinguished career, he has 
put public service above personal gain. We have all heard the saying 
that ``you get what you pay for.'' But in Iowa, when it comes to U.S. 
attorneys, that is not the case. We get far better than we pay for. 
Despite modest salaries, Iowa has been blessed with U.S. attorneys of 
the highest caliber. And most folks in Iowa know this and appreciate 
it. We hold our law enforcement professionals--from police officers 
right up to the highest ranking prosecutors--in special esteem. And we 
are grateful for the excellence, professionalism, and long hours that 
they bring to their jobs.
  I will miss Chuck's counsel and his can-do, cooperative attitude. My 
staff and I have turned to him again and again over the years, and he 
has never let us down. It has meant so much to be able to rely on 
someone of his caliber for authoritative answers and prompt action.
  Though I am sorry to see Chuck go, I know how much he is looking 
forward to spending more time with his family--his wife Ellen and his 
children and grandchildren. I am grateful for his decades of truly 
distinguished and brilliant public service, and I wish him the very 
best.

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