[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 143 (Wednesday, September 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF WILLIAM STERLING JOHNSON

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                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 2008

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Simi Valley Police 
Department Lieutenant William Sterling Johnson, who retired in July 
after 27 years of dedicated and exceptional service to the department 
and the city it serves.
  Simi Valley, California, has been my home for more than 40 years. I 
served as City Councilman before being the city first elected Mayor. 
From my days as a city official to today, I have periodically 
accompanied officers on their rounds to keep myself familiarized with 
the challenges they face. It is a professional department, and Sterling 
Johnson epitomizes that professionalism.
  As an officer, Sterling Johnson served as a field training officer 
and a member of the SWAT team, in addition to working three dogs as a 
K-9 handler. In addition, Sterling is a licensed paramedic and created 
the department's SWAT paramedic program.
  Sterling and his first canine partner, Atlas, twice won the World 
Police & Fire Games, Police Service Dog Competition, in 1989 and 1991. 
In recognition of his professionalism and dedication, in 1994 his 
fellow officers selected him Officer of the Year.
  As a sergeant, Sterling served as a patrol supervisor and SWAT team 
leader. Upon his promotion to lieutenant in 2003, Sterling worked as a 
patrol watch commander and was assigned to the Auxiliary Services Unit.
  In addition to his law enforcement duties, Sterling has worked part 
time for American Medical Response, the city's 911 responder; taught 
advanced cardiac support and pediatric advanced life support at the 
UCLA Medical Center; and has been the CPR/First Aid instructor for the 
city and police department for more than 12 years. Sterling also served 
on the State of California Commission for Emergency Services from 1997-
2006.
  In short, Lieutenant William Sterling Johnson has left a positive 
mark on the police department he served for nearly three decades.
  Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in thanking Sterling 
Johnson for his dedication and professionalism with the Simi Valley 
Police Department and in wishing him well in a long and fruitful 
retirement.




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