[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 68 (Tuesday, May 5, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1057]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN APPRECIATION FOR THE DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE OF CHIEF MARK 
                               RAFFAELLI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 5, 2009

  Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, Mark Raffaelli joined the South San 
Francisco Police Department as a patrol officer in 1971. This month, he 
retires--after 37 years of public service--as Chief of Police for the 
City of South San Francisco.
  Chief Raffaelli will not be easily replaced. Everyone who knows Mark, 
myself included, appreciates his sense of humor, easygoing manner and 
dedication to his employees and the citizens they are sworn to protect. 
Mark is a leader who leads by example--and by his example--has mentored 
more men and women than he even knows.
  On his journey through the ranks, Mark served in virtually every 
capacity a peace officer can serve. He put his skills to work in 
patrol, investigations, communications, training, operations and was a 
steady and reliable community presence for generations of South City 
residents.
  Mark is a fixture in his community, having served as President of the 
South San Francisco Boys and Girls Club, SSF Host Lions Club, San Mateo 
County 100 Club and the San Mateo County Police Chiefs and Sheriff 
Association. He has taken leadership roles in groups as diverse as the 
San Mateo County Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy, Peninsula 
Police Officers Association, San Mateo County Gang Task Force, SSF 
Unified School District Strategic Planning Committee, North Peninsula 
Family Alternatives, Skyline College President's Council, Skyline 
College Hermanos Program and the San Mateo County Law Enforcement 
Training Site Fundraising Committee.
  As Chief of Police, Mark Raffaelli has always welcomed new ideas. 
Under his watch, the SSFPD created or expanded the D.A.R.E. drug 
education program, Community Oriented Policing, Computer Aided Dispatch 
and Records Management System, a scholarship program for members of the 
Explorer Post and NEAT (Neighborhood Enhancement Action Team) for first 
time juvenile offenders.
  Madam Speaker, I have had the great privilege of working with Chief 
Raffaelli for decades and have always been impressed by his ability to 
find solutions for vexing problems and show leadership when it would be 
easier to duck and cover.
  Chief Raffaelli has earned his retirement and will, no doubt, enjoy 
his newly found leisure time with his lovely wife Patricia and sons 
Isaac and Rick. For decades, the Raffaelli family has shared their 
husband and father with all of us and we are forever indebted to them.
  Madam Speaker, the biggest challenge of paying tribute to Chief 
Raffaelli is deciding which of his many accomplishments to leave off 
the list. Perhaps the greatest endorsement of his service is in the 
words of those who came under his command. Here is just a small 
sampling:
  ``Exceptionally dedicated to the city, department and citizens of 
South San Francisco. . . .''
  ``Always goes out of his way to greet employees. . . .''
  ``More frugal than Mr. Scrooge. . . .''
  And my personal favorite: ``Great hair.''

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