[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 112 (Thursday, July 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1194]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING CHIEF TONY SCHNELL AND CAPTAIN KURT IRELAND

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. TOM REED

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 17, 2014

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the decorated 
careers of Chief Tony Schnell and Captain Kurt Ireland of the Olean 
Police Department. Longtime members of the department, Chief Schnell 
and Captain Ireland have a combined 68 years of dedicated service to 
the Olean community.
  Tony Schnell joined the Olean Police Department in 1982 and rose to 
the rank of chief in 2006. Throughout his 32-year career, Chief Schnell 
earned the trust and respect of his fellow officers, city leaders, and 
citizens. During his time with the Olean Police Department, Chief 
Schnell completed training at the FBI Academy, learning advanced skills 
and strategies that have positively benefited the department. 
Throughout his tenure as chief, Mr. Schnell repeatedly fought to secure 
necessary funding and support for the police department. His career 
exemplifies the values outlined in the department's mission statement, 
serving with ``integrity, common sense, and sound judgment.''
  Kurt Ireland joined the Olean Police Department in 1977. He spent the 
majority of his 36-year career with the department's patrol division, 
earning promotions to sergeant in 1993 and captain in 1998. While 
holding these leadership positions, Captain Ireland managed the daily 
operations of his unit and established department procedures. Captain 
Ireland was a responsible, dedicated, and hard-working officer who 
served his community with the highest level of integrity.
  I congratulate Chief Tony Schnell and Captain Kurt Ireland on their 
retirement from the Olean Police Department. We owe these men a debt of 
gratitude for their combined 68 years of service to the Olean 
community. Their impressive careers in law enforcement and numerous 
contributions to our community improved quality of life and made Olean 
a safer place to live.