[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       13TH DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARDS (CLEA)

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                           HON. VERN BUCHANAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 27, 2012

  Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to law 
enforcement men and women who have provided distinctive service to the 
people of Florida's 13th Congressional District.
  Law enforcement is a demanding profession that requires sacrifice, 
courage and a dedication to serve others. Every day, brave men and 
women put themselves in harm's way to enforce the laws of our society 
and protect public safety. They deserve our gratitude and respect.
  This year, I established the 13th District Congressional Law 
Enforcement Awards, CLEA, to give special recognition to law 
enforcement officers, departments, or units for exceptional 
achievement.
  On behalf of the people of Florida's 13th District, I congratulate 
the following winners chosen by an independent panel comprised of 
current and retired law enforcement personnel representing a cross-
section of the district's law enforcement community.
  Patrolman 1st Class Justin Wyatt of the Wauchula, Florida Police 
Department received the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty and the 
Congressional Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Awards.
  Deputy Steve Aherns of the Hardee County Sheriff's Office received 
the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty and the Congressional Law 
Enforcement Officer of the Year Awards.
  Detective Salvatore Levita of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office 
received the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award.
  Trooper John B. McGrede of the Florida Highway Patrol received the 
Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award.
  Detective Michael A. Dumer of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office 
received the Dedication and Professionalism Award.
  Detective Michael Page of the Bradenton Police Department received 
the Dedication and Professionalism Award.
  Special Agent Steve Lieberman of the Florida Department of Law 
Enforcement received the Dedication and Professionalism Award.
  Special Agent Jim Vogt of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement 
received the Career Service Award.
  The Venice Florida Police Department received the Unit Citation 
Award.
  Government Analyst Kelly Andriano of the Florida Department of Law 
Enforcement received the Associate Service Award.
  I offer my sincere appreciation for the service and dedication of 
these outstanding law enforcement officers. I appreciate the law 
enforcement agencies that made such outstanding nominations and panel 
that judged them.
  I believe these awards are a fitting tribute to our officers and a 
reminder of the important role they play in our communities.

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