[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 5, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1-E2]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING TERRY MEDINA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 5, 2010

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Terry Medina, a great 
public servant

[[Page E2]]

who has protected the citizens of Watsonville, California since 1982. 
Terry, the Chief of Police since January 1989, retired on December 30, 
2009. His law enforcement career spanned four decades beginning in 
1966. Moreover, he has dedicated his life to a higher calling of 
protection and service and has made a lasting impact on countless lives 
during his career. I am proud to honor my friend and thank him for his 
service.
  Terry was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California. In 1966, Terry 
began his law enforcement career as a student and Campus Police Officer 
at Cabrillo College in Aptos, California. In that same year, he 
enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Military Policeman. In addition 
to Cabrillo College, Terry attended San Jose and Sacramento State 
Universities to further his education in law enforcement. Later in his 
career, he graduated from the 122nd Session FBI National Academy and 
the 1993 Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, both in 
Quanitco, Virginia.
  The education Terry obtained prepared him for the many trials he 
would face as the top cop in Watsonville. In 1986, Terry commanded 
Watsonville personnel through an 18-month food processing strike. Three 
years later, he would guide his department and the city through the 
1989 Loma Prieta earthquake disaster; the epicenter of the 6.9 seismic 
event was located just 14 miles north of the city's downtown. Terry's 
leadership and warm character provided the much needed comfort to the 
people of Watsonville during and after the disaster.
  Terry's command of the Watsonville Police Department has come to an 
end, but his role as a community leader will continue. Terry has served 
on and chaired numerous boards and committees including: the California 
Police Chiefs Association and the Watsonville Community Hospital. His 
newest title is the President of the Watsonville Rotary Club.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House of Representatives, I would 
like to extend our Nation's deepest gratitude to Terry Medina for his 
43 years of service. He was a great Chief of Police and he will 
continue to be a strong community leader, loving husband and proud 
father.

                          ____________________