[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF CHIEF OF POLICE RALPH MENDOZA'S OUTSTANDING SERVICE 
                AND DEDICATION TO THE CITY OF FORT WORTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2007

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Fort Worth 
Chief of Police Ralph Mendoza. After more than 35 years with the Fort 
Worth Police Department, and almost eight years as the top cop, Ralph 
Mendoza will retire in February 2008.
  During Mendoza's tenure, the city of Fort Worth saw reductions in 
crime and advances in technology. Serving as the first Hispanic Police 
Chief of Fort Worth, Mendoza is praised by other city officials, 
calling him an ``outstanding chief'' and applauding his efforts as 
Police Chief that led to a reduction in the crime rate for the city.
  Additionally, others go on to say that Fort Worth ``is indeed a 
better place'' because of Mendoza's efforts, which helped to make the 
city the ninth-safest in the country.
  Mendoza began his career with the Fort Worth Police Department in 
1972 as part of the now-defunct cadet program. He graduated from the 
police academy in 1974 and later became the department's first Hispanic 
lieutenant, deputy chief and chief. He was appointed acting chief in 
August 1999, and was named Police Chief in January 2000.
  I am sure the decision to retire was not an easy one for Chief 
Mendoza. I join his colleagues in wishing him all the best as he looks 
forward to spending more time with his wife, children and 
grandchildren.
  It is with great honor that I recognize Chief Ralph Mendoza for his 
decades of hard work and selfless dedication given to the citizens of 
Fort Worth, Texas. I am proud to represent him in Washington, and his 
service will set a standard of devotion and true leadership, one that 
will never be forgotten.

                          ____________________