[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 113 (Thursday, July 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING MODESTO POLICE CHIEF MIKE HARDEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 26, 2012

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor 
Modesto Police Chief Mike Harden, who will be retiring on August 3, 
2012, after serving in law enforcement for nearly three decades.
  As a teenager, Chief Harden began volunteering as an Explorer; and as 
soon as he was able, he applied to the police academy. Chief Mike 
Harden began his career as a patrol officer at Modesto Police 
Department and, for the last 28 years, has worked his way through the 
ranks. He served as Assistant Police Chief from November of 2003 to 
June of 2009, when he was named Acting Chief of Police. His permanent 
appointment to Chief of Police occurred in February of 2010.
  Chief Harden holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice 
Administration and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Class, the 
WestPoint Leadership Program at the Los Angeles Police Department, and 
California Command College. He has lived in Modesto since 1970 and is a 
graduate of Modesto's Davis High School.
  Harden has committed himself to a focus of sustained crime reduction 
efforts, especially in the area of gang violence. He set a goal for 
lower crime rates, which the Department met after he was appointed. 
Chief Harden instituted several internal changes to the organization to 
better address the crime and gang violence and attributed critical 
partnerships with businesses, non-profits, and citizens as a 
significant key to his successful approach to curbing criminal 
activity. Chief Harden has done a great job reorganizing the Police 
Department, delivering positive results for our community while 
implementing 25-percent reduction in staffing levels.
  Modesto's Fallen Officers Memorial wall was erected and dedicated 
under Chief Harden's leadership. This wall was a community driven 
effort and honors Modesto officers who died in the line of duty. Chief 
Harden has also developed a new mission and vision statement focusing 
on serving the Modesto community with professionalism, pride, and 
integrity for the Modesto Police Department.
  Chief Harden has committed his life to serving the Modesto community 
every day and has worked diligently to keep its residents and their 
property safe. Chief Harden has been an outstanding and highly 
effective Police Chief whose quiet and steady leadership is an 
excellent example of how to serve others. While his service has been 
greatly appreciated and will be missed, I am confident that his 
leadership and example will continue to serve and protect Modesto long 
into the future.
  Chief Harden is married to Lori and they have two children: Brad, a 
Naval Academy graduate, and their daughter, Lindsey, who is currently 
attending college at UC Davis.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending the 
outstanding contributions made to law enforcement and the Modesto 
community by Chief of Police Mike Harden and wishing him continued 
success in his retirement.

                          ____________________