[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E264-E265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO POLICE CHIEF ALAN R. GORDON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 6, 2018

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Chief Alan R. Gordon 
for his 43 years of exceptional service to the people of Westborough, 
Massachusetts. Though Alan retired as Chief of Police in January, his 
reputation of integrity, excellence, and service above self will remain 
an example for law enforcement offices throughout the nation.
  Alan first joined the force in 1972, and became a full-time officer 
in 1978 after attending the Worcester Police Department Academy. While 
supporting a family and working long hours, often on the midnight 
shift, Alan rose through the ranks of the department, becoming Sergeant 
in 1988, Lieutenant in 1994, and Chief of Police in 2005.
  His bravery and quick thinking have saved lives and property 
countless times. One night in particular stands out in his mind; in 
October of 1983, he raced to the scene of a 911 call. A baby was not 
breathing. With seconds to spare, Alan's training kicked in, and 
alongside another officer, Alan administered CPR and saved the baby's 
life.

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  Though Alan's duties changed as Chief, he always put the people of 
Westborough first: spending time listening to residents, addressing 
their concerns, and communicating the work of the department to his 
neighbors. And he always led by example--ensuring that his officers had 
the tools, training, and compassion they needed to effectively do their 
jobs.
  Mr. Speaker, all of Alan's professional accomplishments would be 
praiseworthy on their own. Alan's work has no doubt made Westborough a 
safer community and a better place to live. But what really makes Alan 
a model public servant--what really sets him apart--is how he goes 
above and beyond to give back to his community time and time again.
  As President of the Westborough Police Patrolmen's Association, Alan 
started a program to provide food for the less fortunate on Christmas 
and Thanksgiving. As a volunteer at the Lighthouse Mission Soup 
Kitchen, Alan regularly served meals to the homeless in Worcester.
  Alan continues to volunteer at the Boston Marathon, the Falmouth Road 
Race, and as a baseball umpire and basketball referee at Westborough 
Middle School and High School. And, he serves as the Police 
Department's liaison to numerous statewide boards.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our 
congratulations to Alan on his retirement, and our heartfelt gratitude 
to him and his family on behalf of the residents of Westborough and the 
United States Congress.

                          ____________________