[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 51 (Friday, March 23, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO ED WHITING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 23, 2018

  Mr. McCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding 
member of our community, Mr. Ed Whiting, on his retirement as Chief of 
Police and for his tireless and dedicated service to the City of Taft, 
California.
  For well over thirty years, Ed has dedicated his life to ensuring 
that the citizens of California's 23rd Congressional District remain 
safe and informed. Having graduated from East Bakersfield High School 
in 1976, Ed has long served as an instrumental member of California's 
Central Valley community. Upon graduation from high school, Ed enlisted 
in the United States Air Force as a Law Enforcement Specialist, where 
he learned how to effectively enforce rules and maintain order. Ed's 
successful career with the Air Force is marked by the accolades that he 
received--including a Good Conduct Medal and the Joint Service 
Commendation Medal for Operation Red, White and Blue during the 1980 
Cuban Refugee Resettlement in Florida. He retired from the Air Force 
after achieving the rank of Sergeant.
  Following his military service, Ed joined the Kern County Sheriff's 
Office before attending the Police Academy in Bakersfield. Ed went on 
to serve in Bakersfield, McFarland and eventually Taft in a myriad of 
roles--from Police Officer to Detective to Sergeant. His down-to-earth 
demeanor and larger-than-life personality have made Ed a joy to work 
with.
  With an extensive background in law enforcement and a passion for 
serving others, Ed was the ideal candidate to take on the role of Taft 
Police Chief in 2012--serving proudly with diligence and grace. Perhaps 
one of the most telling events of Ed's success as police chief was the 
smooth and orderly manner in which he handled the 2013 shooting at Taft 
Union High School. Ed's effective rapid response strategies became a 
trademark of his career, and I truly believe that Ed's leadership 
greatly enhanced the Taft community's safety.
  On behalf of California's 23rd Congressional District and the United 
States Congress, I am grateful for Ed's service to our community, as I 
know the Taft community is as well. I have always appreciated his 
friendship and advice, and I know that many others join me in 
celebrating his successful career. I wish Ed, his wife of 29 years, 
Robin, and his two children, Melissa and John, happiness in Ed's 
retirement.

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