[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 139 (Friday, November 14, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1578-E1579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF JAMES VINCENT TASA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 14, 2014

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Chief James Vincent Tasa for 
his 32 years of service with the Pacifica Police Department. Chief Tasa 
has been an exemplary leader and confidant for his colleagues and the 
residents of Pacifica.
  Chief Tasa first joined the Pacifica Police Department as an officer 
in 1982. Ten years later he was promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant 
and in 2002 he was promoted to the rank of Police Captain. He 
successfully completed the POST California Law Enforcement Command 
College in 2007 and in 2011 he was promoted to his current position as 
Pacifica's Chief of Police. Though he officially retired in February of 
this year, he continued to serve as Chief until now to allow the City 
of Pacifica time to search for his replacement.
  Chief Tasa has received numerous awards for his exemplary work as a 
law enforcement officer, including the Police Officer of the Year Award 
by the San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association, the Captain's Award, 
and countless commendations from the community, citizens and law 
enforcement professionals.
  Chief Tasa has approached every aspect of his work with 
professionalism, integrity and a refreshing sense of optimism and 
humor. He has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow officers 
and residents. I've had the honor to work with Jim over the last three 
years to combat human trafficking in San Mateo County. His work and 
collaboration with all other chiefs of police have been essential to 
find cures for this epidemic of modern day slavery.
  During his three decades with the police department, Jim has 
witnessed many memorable moments. One of them is without a doubt the 
afternoon of August 19, 2011. He accompanied Mayor Mary Ann Nihart and 
other city officials on a mayor's walk on Palmetto Avenue to meet local 
business owners. Towards the end of the walk, they opened the door of a 
``flower shop'' and were met by an unmistakable aroma--the flower shop 
was a medical marijuana dispensary. Jim had to deliver the bad news to 
the owner that he had a false license and therefore needed to shut his 
flower shop.
  Jim is married to Susan Kae Tasa and they have two sons, Nick and 
Ryan.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
honoring Jim Tasa for his outstanding service keeping the residents of 
Pacifica safe. His leadership and warmth will be remembered long after 
he moves on to the next chapter of his life.

[[Page E1579]]



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