[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 188 (Thursday, December 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2208-E2209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN RECOGNITION OF RICHARD J. LEONARDINI

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2011

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Captain Richard 
J. Leonardini, who

[[Page E2209]]

is retiring after more than 31 years of law enforcement service, with 
22 years of that service to the City of Fairfield. As his colleagues, 
friends and family gather together to celebrate the next chapter of his 
life, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in saluting this 
outstanding public servant and defender of peace and safety.
  Richard started his law enforcement career as a Deputy Sheriff, 
serving three years for the El Dorado County Sheriff's office and over 
five years with the San Joaquin County Sheriff's office. On March 6, 
1989, he was hired as a Police Officer with the Fairfield Police 
Department. As an officer, Richard worked in various capacities that 
included Patrol, Investigations, Street Crime Apprehension (SCAT) and 
Field Training. He joined the Crisis Negotiations Team in 1991, the 
Special Activity Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Team in 1992 and was 
promoted to Police Sergeant on July 30, 1999.
  As a Police Sergeant, Richard served in Patrol and then Personnel and 
Training before being promoted to Police Lieutenant on December 14, 
2001 and serving as the Commander of the Special Operations Division. 
He was a thoughtful and capable manager which led him to receiving the 
Manager of the Year award in 2002. On March 19, 2004 he was promoted to 
Police Captain and served in Administration, Support Services, and 
Field Operations.
  Richard has been a valued employee and his commitment to the 
community was evidenced on a daily basis. He was a loyal representative 
of the law enforcement community and admired for his hard work, 
dedication, and positive work ethic.
  Mr. Speaker, I am truly honored to pay tribute to this dedicated 
public servant. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in wishing 
Richard J. Leonardini continued success and happiness in all of his 
future endeavors.

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