[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2621]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOHN COUCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2007

  Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John 
Couch, a community leader from Atascadero, California, on his 
retirement after 17 years of serving the city, most currently as chief 
of police.
  Chief Couch grew up in North Dakota. After graduating high school in 
1970, Chief Couch enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed 
in Vietnam, serving with the 114th Assault Helicopter Company. He 
completed his service with the Army in 1973 and enrolled in California 
State University, Sacramento, where he earned his degree in criminal 
justice administration in 1977. Alter his graduation, Chief Couch 
worked for the city of Santa Clara Police Department for 13 years and 
achieved the rank of sergeant. Since 1990, Chief Couch has served in 
the Atascadero Police Department.
  Chief Couch was elevated to the rank of chief on October 7, 2004. 
During his tenure, he has instituted many, improvements to the police 
department. For example, Chief Couch facilitated the purchase of 
additional motorcycles for the Traffic Division and added computers and 
in-car video to all Atascadero Police Department patrol vehicles. He 
improved the efficiency of law enforcement in Atascadero by creating a 
special enforcement team, upgraded the capabilities in dispatch, made 
technical improvements to the radio repeater system, and implemented a 
crime free multi-housing program and a new traffic safety program. 
Chief Couch also succeeded at improving the police department retention 
and recruitment process and the department's relations with the 
community it serves by expanding community outreach and education 
programs.
  Community service is a central priority for Chief Couch even in his 
off-duty life. Chief Couch is a member of the Atascadero Kiwanis Club. 
He also serves on the local board of directors for both the Women's 
Shelter and the Salvation Army. Finally, in addition to serving as 
chief of police. John is the chief driver and mechanic of the bus for 
the Atascadero Bible Church.
  Chief Couch and his wife Margie have been married for 25 years and 
have raised two children, Brittany and Jared.
  Dedicated to serving his community in a variety of ways, Chief 
Couch's leadership at the Atascadero Police Department will he sorely 
missed and difficult to replace, but his well-deserved retirement will 
give him the ability to spend more time with friends and family. I 
commend his service to the City of Atascadero and I hope that Chief 
Couch enjoys his transition into the next stage of his life.

                          ____________________