[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E48]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       TRIBUTE TO DARRELL CORTEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 20, 2010

  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor 
Darrell Cortez, a 30-year veteran of the San Jose Police Department on 
the occasion of his retirement.
  Darrell Cortez began his tenure with the SJPD shortly after receiving 
his degree in Administration of Justice from San Jose State University 
in 1978. In his capacity as a Peace Officer, Darrell has worked the 
Field Training Officer Unit, Narcotics Covert Investigations Unit, and 
Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force. Darrell also served on the 
Sexual Assaults Unit, Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement, SAFE, the Red 
Car Rapist Task Force, and the School Liaison Unit, and was 
additionally assigned to State Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement.
  Officer Cortez's commitment to serve and protect has remained 
constant throughout his career. Just last week he responded to a call 
regarding an apparent suicide. With days left before his retirement, 
Darrell came upon a woman who had stopped breathing as the result of 
the suicide attempt. Despite her initial unresponsiveness, Darrell was 
able to resuscitate the woman, saving her life.
  In addition to his official duties, Darrell volunteers for a better 
world.
  Darrell Cortez is the California State Chapter president of the 
National Latino Peace Officers' Association having served this 
organization, both in the founding Santa Clara County Chapter and 
Statewide, in several capacities on the executive board. Either under 
his leadership or with his involvement, the NLPOA has raised more than 
$100,000 to fund their scholarship program. These funds support not 
only undergraduate students but also graduate students seeking an 
advanced degree in professional schools. Scholarship recipients have 
gone on to serve this nation in many capacities. In fact, a member of 
my staff is a grateful past beneficiary of one such scholarship.
  When Darrell was assigned to the Community Services Division of the 
San Jose Police Department, he took this opportunity to not only 
protect and serve the residents of San Jose, but to protect and serve 
their future by working closely with youth in local schools. Of 
particular focus were the children of Horace Mann Elementary School. He 
had, all too often, seen acts of violence or threats in the schools.
  Darrell feels strongly that if some kind of positive intervention is 
made at an early age during the lives of these children, then they 
would be able to contribute to the future of our society.
  Darrell Cortez's efforts to bridge the divide between law enforcement 
and communities of color were a natural result of profound pride in 
both his Mexican heritage and in being a peace officer. He always 
strives to be the best in both his work and his community service.
  In recognition of his good work, Darrell Cortez has received numerous 
commendations and resolutions. But perhaps most importantly, he has 
earned the respect and high regard of a grateful community.
  Great acts of service often require great sources of inspiration. 
Fortunately for Silicon Valley, Darrell finds such inspiration in his 
family. His father, Tomas Cortez, served this Country honorably in the 
U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. Darrell's mother, the late 
Aurelia Quihuis Cortez, is remembered by Darrell as a steadfast 
matriarch and one of the original ``Rosie the Riveters.''
  Darrell is devoted to his wife of almost 30 years, Alicia Cortez, and 
is the proud father of Ricardo, Emilio, and Lorena.
  It is a great honor to thank Officer Darrell Cortez for his service 
and congratulate him as he begins this new and well deserved chapter in 
his life. I am proud to call him friend.

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