[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 106 (Wednesday, July 15, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S7553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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              CONTRA COSTA COUNTY VOLUNTEER SERVICES UNIT

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, one of America's greatest strengths 
is its spirit of volunteerism, particularly within the law enforcement 
community. I take this opportunity to honor and recognize members of 
the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff's Volunteer Services 
Unit. These brave men and women have repeatedly demonstrated their 
dedication to their community during a time when budget cuts are 
paralyzing our State and local law enforcement forces.
  Since its founding in 1850, the Contra Costa County Volunteer 
Services Unit has grown to coordinate the activities of several 
Sheriff's Volunteer Groups, including an Air Squadron, Amateur Radio 
Communications, Cadet Explore Post 2406, Chaplains Program, Deputy 
Sheriff Reservers, Dive Team, Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service, 
RACES, Sheriff's All Volunteer Extended Services, SAVES, Program, and 
Search and Rescue Unit.
  The Contra Costa Sheriff's Volunteer Services Unit has the largest 
volunteer search and rescue team of any county north of San Bernardino. 
With over 700 volunteers, the unit contributes the same amount of 
service hours as approximately 50 full-time, paid positions. This unit 
has also assisted in several missing persons cases both within Contra 
Costa County and beyond, including the heartbreaking search earlier 
this year for 8-year-old Sandra Cantu of Tracy.
  The hard work and dedication of those involved with the Sheriff's 
Volunteer Services Unit not only helps save lives throughout Contra 
Costa County, but also saves the county the equivalent of $5 million in 
salaries and benefits at a time when funding for such programs has been 
reduced.
  The dedicated men and women of the Contra Costa County Office of the 
Sheriff's Volunteer Services Unit are the embodiment of community 
service and involvement. For over 150 years, these volunteers have, 
often without question for their own safety or comfort, taken heroic 
actions throughout the County and beyond while assisting with a variety 
of programs.
  I commend the men and women of the Contra Costa County Office of the 
Sheriff's Volunteer Services Unit for their inspiring dedication to 
their community.

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