[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 37 (Thursday, March 2, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING OFFICER MICHAEL JOYCE, JR. UPON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER 27 YEARS 
               OF SERVICE TO THE UNION POLICE DEPARTMENT

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                        HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 2, 2017

  Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of 
mine, Police Officer Michael Joyce, Jr. on his retirement after 27 
years of service to the Union Police Department on January 4, 2017.
   Officer Joyce joined the Union Police Department in June 1989. He 
became a full-time officer by December of that year and was promoted to 
sergeant less than three years later. During his years on the force, 
Officer Joyce served as a field training officer, supervisor, bailiff, 
and City Hall security officer. Additionally, he has fulfilled a myriad 
of capacities including zoning enforcement, evidence cataloguing/
transport, video documentation, neighborhood watch, and scheduling 
among others. The knowledge and experience that Officer Joyce brought 
to the police force and the community was an invaluable asset.
   Officer Joyce is known as a man of faith, integrity, compassion, and 
humor. As an active member of his community he has volunteered many 
hours to various organizations. He has served on the board of directors 
with the Franklin County Children and Families Community Resource 
Board, participated in Shop with a Cop, raised thousands of dollars for 
the Kops and Kids Canned Food Drive, and volunteered at Missouri Child 
Identification and Protection Program events. Officer Joyce also serves 
as an elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Throughout his life Officer 
Joyce has served as a role model and mentor to many, especially through 
his involvement with local schools, organizations, and clubs.
   The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training program was created in 
part through Office Joyce's hard work. This program equips first 
responders with the necessary training to assist individuals that are 
dealing with mental health crises. Officer Joyce served as one of his 
department's first CIT officers and also held the position of Franklin 
County CIT Council Co-Chairman and CIT Training Chairman.
   With this retirement Officer Joyce will now be able to spend more 
time with his lovely wife of 42 years, Jennifer. He will also enjoy 
more time with his children Hannah, Ethan, Noah, Warren, Faith, Connor, 
Moriah, and Naomi, as well as his nine grandchildren. As police 
officers and their families know, the most notable and award-worthy 
actions are often unseen by the general public and will never be 
awarded by anyone but God. Officer Joyce truly exemplifies the 
scripture that states, ``Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be 
called sons of God.'' (Matthew 5:9)
   I ask you to join me in recognizing Officer Michael Joyce, Number 
731, on his retirement. The commitment he has shown to the Union Police 
Department and to his community for 27 years is a commendable 
accomplishment.

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