[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 18 (Friday, February 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO JACK O'DONNELL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 3, 2012

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of West 
Des Moines Police Chief Jack O'Donnell, and to express my appreciation 
for his dedication and commitment in his years of service in law 
enforcement.
  Mr. O'Donnell's entire life has been one of service. During the 
Vietnam War, Jack served our country in the Army before returning home 
in 1969 to begin his law enforcement career. For the last 43 years, 
Jack has contributed his time and his talents to the betterment of 
communities both in Iowa and neighboring Nebraska.
  For the last 13 years, Mr. O'Donnell has served West Des Moines 
honorably as Chief of Police. Under his leadership, the West Des Moines 
Police Department transitioned from a reactive department to a 
proactive one. Jack made it a point to get to know his residents and 
despite a boom in population over his tenure, West Des Moines crime 
rates have remained low under his watch.
  Throughout his illustrious and lengthy career, Jack has never wavered 
in his commitment to justice and security. Mr. O'Donnell is a testament 
to the high quality character instilled in Iowans, and the city of West 
Des Moines owes him a great debt of gratitude for his service. While 
Jack's leadership will be missed, he leaves behind a more secure 
community that will continue to benefit from his service for years to 
come.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent the people of West Des 
Moines in the United States Congress, and I wish Jack and his wife 
Marilyn a long, happy and healthy retirement. Thank you.

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