[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 60 (Thursday, April 23, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S2397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO STEVE PITTS

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Steve 
Pitts on his retirement after over 35 years of service to the Reno 
Police Department. It gives me great pleasure to recognize his years of 
hard work and dedication to creating a safe environment in the local 
Reno community.
  Mr. Pitts stands as a shining example of someone who has devoted his 
life to serving his State. He earned his bachelor's degree in 
organizational studies from California State University, Long Beach, 
and later pursued his master's in public administration from Golden 
Gate University. He is also a graduate of the National Academy at the 
Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Leadership Program at the Center 
for Public Leadership at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at 
Harvard University, and the Naval Postgraduate School Homeland Security 
Program. His career in police services began in the early 1980s, 
building all the way to the top of the department in 2011. Mr. Pitts 
dedicated his work to major case and homicide investigations, emergency 
management, and crisis intervention. He also built upon his skills in 
special weapons and tactics over a span of 25 years, as well as gained 
command-level experience for over 15 years of his career. His 
unwavering work ethic is commendable, and his undeniable concern for 
the Reno community is greatly respected.
  During his tenure, Mr. Pitts was promoted to deputy chief in January 
of 2008. He then served as interim police chief from March 2010 until 
March 2011, at which point he accepted the permanent position of police 
chief. As the leading voice of the police department, Mr. Pitts 
emphasized the importance of moving the organization toward what best 
benefitted the community. His positive legacy will be felt for years to 
come.
  It is the brave men and women who serve in the local police 
department who keep our communities safe. These heroes selflessly put 
their lives on the line every day. I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. 
Pitts for his courageous contributions to the people of Reno and to the 
Silver State. His sacrifice and courage earn him a place among the 
outstanding men and women who have valiantly put their lives on the 
line to benefit others.
  Mr. Pitts has demonstrated professionalism, commitment to excellence, 
and dedication to the highest standards of the Reno Police Department. 
I am both humbled and honored by his service and am proud to call him a 
fellow Nevadan. Today I ask all of my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Mr. Pitts on his retirement, and I give my deepest 
appreciation for all that he has done to make Nevada a safer place. I 
offer him my best wishes for many successful and fulfilling years to 
come.

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