[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 209 (Thursday, December 21, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1755-E1756]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING KAREN BALLARD ON HER RETIREMENT FROM THE GRAPEVINE 
                           POLICE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 21, 2017

  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
Karen Ballard on her numerous years of service and dedication to the 
Grapevine Police Department in Grapevine, Texas. Karen retires this 
year after serving for fourteen years with the City of Grapevine, and 
accumulating over thirty-one years of dedicated service in emergency 
communications for the State of Texas.
  Karen's admirable career first began when she joined the Arlington 
Police Department as a dispatcher in 1986. After serving for over 
seventeen years in the City of Arlington, Texas, Karen began her tenure 
with the City of Grapevine in 2003.
  Throughout her career, Karen has served as a Dispatcher, 
Communications Coordinator, Coordinator Training Assistant, and a 
Communications Supervisor. Since joining the Grapevine Police 
Department, Karen has honorably served her community and has built a 
reputation as an outstanding Dispatcher and Communications Supervisor.

[[Page E1756]]

  Karen's dedication as a public servant is apparent in her pursuit of 
continued education and trainings to help provide a better service to 
her community. In total, Karen has completed 4,227 training hours since 
beginning her career in emergency communications.
  Karen's contributions to the emergency operations in the City of 
Grapevine have helped to ensure the Police, Fire, and EMS services have 
the best information available when they are needed. The importance of 
quick and accurate information can never be overstated in life-or-death 
situations. Karen's dedication and service have been a vital part of 
keeping our first responders effective, and more importantly, keeping 
them safe. Her legacy will leave a lasting mark on the City of 
Grapevine and the city's emergency services for many years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize the notable efforts Karen 
has contributed to the City of Grapevine. I ask all of my distinguished 
colleagues to join me in recognizing Karen Ballard and her many years 
of service and wishing her the best in her retirement.

                          ____________________