[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 122 (Thursday, July 24, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING CHIEF RAY SAMUELS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2008

  Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Ray 
Samuels' retirement from the Newark, California Police Department and 
to honor his thirty-four years of exemplary service in law enforcement.
  Chief Samuels began his law enforcement career as a community service 
officer in 1974 with the city of Vallejo, California. He was promoted 
to police officer the following year. In 1981 he began an eighteen-year 
career with the Police Department of Concord, California. During his 
tenure, Chief Samuels held numerous positions within this organization, 
including Traffic Bureau Commander and Professional Standards Unit 
Commander.
  In March 1999, Chief Samuels joined the Newark Police Department as a 
Lieutenant. He was responsible for the Administrative Division, 
Personnel and Training and the Investigation Division. He was promoted 
to the rank of Captain three years later in April 2002 and appointed 
Chief of Police in 2003. He became the seventh Police Chief since the 
City's 1955 incorporation.
  Chief Samuels received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Administration 
of Justice from Golden Gate University. He is also a graduate of the 
California Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training Command 
College, Boston's Senior Management Institute for Police, and the FBI 
National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
  Chief Samuel has been instrumental in the implementation of Community 
Policing strategies while serving the Newark community. He facilitated 
the reorganization of the Community Services Division, which was 
designed to improve coordination and enhance the efforts of the code 
enforcement unit and the patrol division. Chief Samuels was also 
actively involved in facilitating a unique partnership between the 
Newark Police Department and the Newark Unified School District. Under 
his leadership, a three-officer Community Safety Team was developed and 
began its focus on gang education, intervention, and enforcement in 
July 2006.
  I join the City of Newark in applauding Chief Samuels' leadership 
within the Newark Police Department and expressing appreciation for his 
commitment to community service. He has not only guided the Newark 
Police Department to excellence but has been active in civic and non-
profit organizations to make a difference in the lives of others.

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