[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 14, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E68]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING CHIEF RICHARD MELTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 14, 2015

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Napa 
Police Department (NPD) Chief Richard Melton upon his retirement. 
Capping off a long and impressive career in law enforcement, Chief 
Melton devoted the last ten years to serving and protecting our 
community as Chief of Police.
  Before coming to Napa, Chief Melton was the Chief of Police for both 
Farmington and Los Alamos, New Mexico Police Departments. Upon assuming 
the position of Chief of Police in Napa in 2004, Chief Melton 
immediately began improving the NPD's relationship with the community 
as well as both the level of professionalism and education within the 
NPD.
  Chief Melton made it a priority for the NPD to forge a better working 
relationship with members of the homeless population in our community. 
As a result, the number of calls involving homeless persons decreased 
by 50 percent and the number of homeless persons arrested dropped by 50 
percent. Chief Melton also worked to improve the NPD's interactions 
with those in our community who suffer from mental health issues by 
bringing a part-time Napa County Mental Health Worker to the NPD. As 
Chief, Richard Melton recognized the importance of compassion, 
efficiency and professionalism when working with all members of our 
community.
  Chief Melton made significant progress in raising the level of 
education within the NPD. He always encouraged and supported his 
employees to take advantage of training and educational opportunities. 
He also raised the level of formal education for employees at the 
supervisorial and managerial levels. Chief Melton made a concerted 
effort to increase the level of professionalism within the NPD during 
his tenure, while still remaining approachable and receptive to his 
employees.
  Mr. Speaker, Chief Melton's career is nothing short of impressive. On 
behalf of a grateful community, I wish him a most enjoyable retirement.

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