[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 5, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E99]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF CHIEF RICK BRAZIEL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2013

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Chief Rick Braziel 
as he retires from the Sacramento Police Department, an organization he 
served admirably over three decades. As the Chief of Police since 2008 
and a member of the department since 1979, Rick has been pivotal in 
upholding and carrying out the mission of the Sacramento Police 
Department and his leadership will be missed. I ask all my colleagues 
to join me in honoring one of Sacramento's finest public servants.
  Prior to serving as Chief of Police, Rick, who is a graduate of 
California State University-Sacramento and the U.S. Naval Postgraduate 
School, was appointed as the Deputy Chief of the Offices of Operations, 
Investigations, Technical Services, and Homeland Security and Emergency 
Services. Rick is a co-author of the book titled Cop Talk: Essential 
Communicating Skills for Community Policing and is nationally 
recognized for his instruction in communication skills on this topic.
  Over the past three decades with the department, Rick has rose 
through the ranks, holding a variety of positions including K9 Handler, 
Patrol Sergeant and Watch Commander, and Captain of Special Units and 
Narcotics. He has also received several professional commendations 
including the Silver Medal of Valor, Distinguished Service Award, and a 
Unit Citation. Rick is often noted by his colleagues for his innovative 
leadership guiding the police force to more effective ways of 
addressing and preventing crime.
  Outside of the police department, Rick enjoys competing in marathons 
and triathlons, and participating in both the Ironman Triathlon World 
Championships in Hawaii and the three thousand mile, Race Across 
America, bicycling race in 2012.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the numerous contributions 
made by Chief Rick Braziel during his service to the people of 
Sacramento and our nation. As Rick, his wife Karen, their children, his 
friends, and colleagues celebrate his retirement, I ask my colleagues 
to join me in thanking and recognizing him for his many years of 
service.

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