[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 4 (Friday, January 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E61]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF DANIEL M. ORTEGA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 9, 2009

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of a great 
public servant on the occasion of his retirement. Daniel M. Ortega has 
served the City of Salinas as Chief of Police for nearly a decade, 
working hard to provide its citizens with a sense of peace, safety, and 
security. He retired this week after an exemplary 42-year public safety 
career.
  Chief Ortega began his career in his hometown of Stockton, 
California, as a patrol officer. He then moved to San Jose, where he 
spent 28 years ascending the ranks of the San Jose Police Department. 
His assignments included 12 years as a hostage negotiator, 3 years as 
the Executive Director of the Police Activities League, and as the 
Captain of the Special Operations Division. In June 1999, Chief Ortega 
left the San Jose Police Department as a Deputy Chief of Police and 
Chief of Detectives.
  In Salinas, Chief Ortega championed community-oriented policing. He 
created a police substation on Salinas' east side to ensure increased 
community access to the police. Moreover, he coordinated with business 
leaders to develop strategies to increase the safety of local 
businesses. Chief Ortega was also instrumental in creating a Community 
Services Coordinator position within City Hall. Additionally, he 
revitalized the School Resource Officer program to polish the image of 
police amongst the city's youth. Seeking to staff the department with 
``homegrown'' police officers, Chief Ortega established a cadet 
program, which mentored youth from ages 16 to 21. Furthermore, in 
conjunction with the County of Monterey, he was integral in developing 
the highly successful Joint Gang Task Force.
  In addition to his community-oriented approach, Chief Ortega improved 
the Salinas Police Department in other ways. He increased the force 
from a strength of 150 to 187 and expanded the Hostage Negotiation 
Team. He also established a horse-mounted unit, added a ballistic 
identification system, and acquired command and crime scene 
investigation vehicles.
  Chief Ortega has served on the Board of Directors of various 
organizations, including the California Police Chiefs Association and 
the United Way of Monterey County. He is also a past president of the 
Monterey County Chief Law Enforcement Officers Association. His 
memberships include the International Association of Chiefs of Police 
and the National Latino Police Officers Association.
  Madam Speaker, Chief Daniel M. Ortega leaves an indelible legacy and 
a shining example to his officers, peers, and successors. On behalf of 
the House, I wish Chief Ortega, his wife Donna, and their family 
continual happiness and prosperity as he progresses on to well-deserved 
retirement.

                          ____________________