[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 123 (Thursday, September 13, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING TOM LaBONGE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JANICE HAHN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2012

  Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Los Angeles City Councilman 
Tom LaBonge, a distinguished public servant, who is receiving the 2012 
Jack Webb Award for his commitment and support for the men and women of 
the Los Angeles Police Department. Tom's parents gave him a deep love 
for the City of Angels. His civic spirit was inspired as a teenager 
when he served on Mayor Tom Bradley's Youth Council. In 1976, upon 
earning his undergraduate degree from California State University Los 
Angeles, he joined the staff of Councilwoman Peggy Stevenson, 13th 
District, and later he moved to work for John Ferraro, Council 
President.
  Over the course of 15 years as an aide to John Ferraro, Tom learned 
the value of public service. In spite of the demands of working for the 
Council President, Tom still found time to coach LAPD's football team, 
the Centurions.
  Later, as chief of field operations for Mayor Riordan, Tom oversaw a 
staff of deputies assigned to neighborhoods throughout every region of 
the 465-square-mile city and acted as the Mayor's special 
representative at community events.
  In 2011, Tom won a special election to represent the people of the 
4th City Council District. As his tenure in the Council winds down, Tom 
remains busy promoting the city he loves and working diligently to make 
Los Angeles a better place to live, work, and play.
  Whether tackling issues that impact his constituents or coaching cops 
on the gridiron, Tom's life has been devoted to service and as such, he 
has earned this award. It is truly a privilege to be his friend.

                          ____________________