[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 63 (Tuesday, April 28, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E992]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF CAPTAIN VANESA GILBERT OF HENDERSON 
      COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, FOR COMPLETING FBI ACADEMY TRAINING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HEATH SHULER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 28, 2009

  Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable North 
Carolinian. On December 12, 2008, Captain Vanesa Gilbert became the 
first woman in Henderson County history to have completed FBI Academy 
training.
  According to Henderson County Sheriff Rick Davis, only six local law 
enforcement officers, including Gilbert, have completed the intensive 
11-week course at the academy in Quantico, Virginia. ``Captain Gilbert 
is a superior leader by any measure,'' he said. ``The FBI National 
Academy is the highest academic achievement in law enforcement. It is 
very challenging academically as well as physically. It was clear our 
agency and the county would benefit greatly by sending her.''
  While Captain Gilbert admitted that she was nervous when she arrived 
at the Marine base, she excelled during the course and ultimately 
completed a three-mile obstacle course called ``the yellow brick 
road.'' For finishing the course, Gilbert received a plaque with a 
yellow brick on it and the dates she attended the academy.
  Gilbert grew up in Hendersonville and graduated from Edneyville High 
School in 1992. In August of 1992, she moved to Greensboro to attain a 
two-year degree in law enforcement. In December of 1994, Gilbert 
completed her basic law enforcement training and moved back to 
Henderson County to work for the Sheriff's Office. At the Henderson 
County Sheriff's office, she worked as the Civil Process Secretary 
before being promoted to Corporal, and later to Lieutenant of the Civil 
Process division.
  Upon completion of the FBI Academy Training, Gilbert was promoted to 
Captain of the Detention Center, courthouse security and the ICE 
program. Sheriff Rick Davis says of Gilbert, ``She is recognized by the 
whole department as a highly qualified thoughtful leader with 
exceptionally high standards. Don't let her size and charm fool you; if 
anyone fails to meet her work ethics, they will have awaken a giant 
they can't handle.''
  It is with great respect and gratitude that I commend Captain Vanesa 
Gilbert for her great accomplishment and for her ongoing service to 
Henderson County. She serves as a role model for all women and girls 
who aspire to careers in law enforcement. Her dedication and hard work 
are an inspiration to all.

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