[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1581-E1582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN MEMORY OF ROBERT NEFF OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2010

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Robert 
Paul Neff of Grapevine, Texas. Robert passed away September 10, 2010 
and leaves behind a strong legacy of public service.
  Robert served as manager of the Criminal Justice Programs, CJP, at 
the North Central Texas Council of Governments, NCTCOG, starting in 
1999. The CJP facilitates community-planning groups, provides technical 
assistance to develop successful grant programs and assists local units 
of government in solutions to common challenges within a 16-county 
region. Since 2001, he served the Texas Association of Regional 
Councils Criminal Justice Planners Association as its secretary, chair, 
and communications liaison to local, regional, State, and Federal 
agencies. He was also a member of the Advisory Council and Board of 
Directors of the National Criminal Justice Association and the American 
Society for Industrial Security, serving as its president of the West 
Michigan Chapter in 1984.
  Prior to coming to North Texas, Robert was a law enforcement officer 
in Kalamazoo, Michigan for almost 22 years, retiring as a detective 
assigned to auto theft, street gangs, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and 
militia groups. He received a master of Social Work degree in 
Correctional Administration from Western Michigan University, where he 
also was an adjunct professor in the Criminal Justice Program in the 
Department of Sociology.
  Robert has been described as ``street savvy'' and applied this 
knowledge to the criminal justice grant program, helping secure 
millions of dollars for funding for programs used by local governments 
and nonprofit organizations. He had the respect of his peers throughout 
Texas, and was sought by many for his advice.
  A believer in service to local governments and the criminal justice 
community, Robert brought critical thinking, innovation and grant 
funding experience to enhance the level of public safety expertise and 
protection to North Texans. Robert also invested in his community 
through the First United Methodist Church of Grapevine, Texas. He was 
respected by all who met him, and will be greatly missed. Robert was 
also active in pulmonary fibrosis organization and outreach.
  Madam Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise today to remember 
Robert Neff. It is my privilege to have this opportunity to honor his 
life and legacy.

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