[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 140 (Thursday, September 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1947]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               VALLEY TOWNSHIP CHIEF OF POLICE JOE FRIEL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2007

  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Valley Township 
Chief of Police Joe Friel, a dedicated law enforcement officer who 
epitomizes honor and valor. Chief Friel is a graduate of the 
Downingtown Area School District, who then went on to attend the 
Delaware Country Municipal Police Academy. He started his police career 
in Royersford Borough in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania as a part-time 
police officer, and then eventually moved to western Chester County. He 
has worked for the Caln Township Police Department, Parkesburg Borough 
Police Department and Sadsbury Township Police Department, before 
taking a part-time job with the Valley Township Bureau of Police in 
1989. He was eventually hired full-time in 1990 and, in 2000, he 
obtained the rank of Sergeant. Following 17 years of service, the young 
officer, who ``was just happy to be a police officer,'' is now called 
Chief Friel and is in charge of nine other officers. He is married to 
Annette Friel and they have two children, Joe Jr. and Brittany.
  In addition to Chief Friel's duties as a police officer, he was also 
a D.A.R.E. officer for six years, allowing him to work closely with 
students and schools in an effort to keep them safe. Chief Friel has 
received four outstanding service awards, two from the Valley Township 
Bureau of Police and two from the Coatesville Area School District for 
his service as a D.A.R.E. officer. Chief Friel is a certified field-
training officer for the Bureau of Police and has extensive training in 
domestic violence investigation.
  During his distinguished career, he was given a commendation for the 
apprehension of a subject that confronted police with two fully-loaded 
shotguns following a violent domestic dispute, as well as a 
commendation from the Westwood Fire Department for helping a man who 
was injured in an explosion.
  Prior to becoming a police officer, Chief Friel worked for Hope 
Ambulance Service and was a member of the patient recovery operation 
team, which provided air transports for sick or injured persons. He was 
a firefighter with the East Brandywine Fire Company and was an 
Emergency Medical Technician.
  Chief Friel continues to believe that community policing is the 
foundation for a successful police team. He promotes teamwork as the 
key to maintaining a strong police force and believes that being 
respectful and fair is what has made him such a successful police 
officer.
  In recognition for all of Chief Friel's accomplishments and 
leadership, the Pennsylvania American Legion recently named him 
Pennsylvania Law Officer of the Year. This award is a testament to the 
example Chief Friel presents to other brave men and women of law 
enforcement, as well as a reflection of the great people he has worked 
with over the years. I know all my colleagues join me today in 
commending Chief Friel for his exemplary service and reward of 
accomplishment and we honor him for his ongoing commitment to the 
safety and well-being of the residents of Valley Township and Chester 
County, Pennsylvania.

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