[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 1, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2856-E2857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             WEST VIRGINIA STATE POLICE 90 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 1, 2009

  Mr. RAHALL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the ninety years of 
service by the West Virginia State Police.
  Audiences throughout the world have always been transfixed by the 
American lawman, from the earliest days of radio with the Lone Ranger 
and Dragnet, to today's televised prolific forensic adventures. In West 
Virginia this week, we shall go a long way in setting the record right, 
celebrating the real human spirit, and illuminating the costly 
sacrifices of the steadfast mission galvanized by the shields worn 
proudly across our state, ``To Serve and Protect.''
  The West Virginia State Police have given the people of West Virginia 
nine decades of dedication and commitment by an unbroken long line of 
forest green. This remarkable group of professionals, our nation's 
fourth oldest state police agency, has a storied history and rich 
tradition of service.

[[Page E2857]]

  In acknowledgment and with gratitude, the West Virginia Department of 
Culture and History is opening a splendid exhibit entitled, 
``Celebrating Ninety Years of the West Virginia State Police,'' which 
will stand as a permanent display in the West Virginia State Museum, in 
tribute to this fine organization.
  Stretching over 90 years of history, born in the trademark forest 
green uniforms worn today, the West Virginia State Police force armed 
with 21st century tools, technologies, and expertise is the foundation 
for law enforcement in our democratic society. Theirs is a story of an 
admirable path of honor and bravery. It is one of men and women who are 
known, respected and recognized nationally for their efforts in law 
enforcement.
  Throughout their proud legacy and often in the face of great change, 
West Virginia State Police officers have been at the ready, answering 
trouble, turmoil, and even tornadoes of one form or another, with 
speed, accuracy and more often than not, a deep understanding of those 
they serve. For all this we are, and will forever be, grateful.
  Today, as we celebrate roads well travelled and those yet to be 
blazed, I share great pride with the people of West Virginia.
  And, to all the men and women of the West Virginia State Police--past 
and present, uniformed and non-uniformed--I express my deepest 
gratitude and heartfelt thanks for their service and commitment to the 
safety and security of the people of West Virginia.
  I hope my colleagues here in the Congress will join me in 
congratulating everyone with the West Virginia State Police and their 
families on their 90th anniversary and offer our sincerest best wishes 
for their continued success.

                          ____________________