[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 59 (Thursday, April 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E444]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO DEANNA CANTRELL--CALIFORNIA'S 24TH CONGRESSIONAL WOMAN OF 
                                THE YEAR

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                         HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 12, 2018

  Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History 
Month. Every year, we dedicate the month of March to give special 
recognition to the accomplishments and sacrifices made by America's 
women. I consider it an honor to highlight the extraordinary women who 
are making a difference in my District. I would like to recognize one 
outstanding woman Deanna Cantrell, of San Luis Obispo, California.
  Deanna has served as the San Luis Obispo Chief of Police since 
January of 2016, making her one of less than 2 percent of female police 
chiefs in the nation. Before joining our Central Coast community, 
Deanna spent 21 years with the Mesa, Arizona Police Department where 
she held a variety of impressive positions. Since arriving in San Luis 
Obispo, Deanna has made immense strides in encouraging community 
engagement, particularly among marginalized groups. She started the 
PACT, a group comprised of local action groups such as Women's March 
SLO, RACE Matters SLO, Hispanic Leadership Council, the LGBTQIA 
community and more. She's assigned officers to various specific 
populations to be the liaison that supports those communities and 
enhances partnership and communication.
  Deanna also started PEACE, a series of community workshops to 
increase understanding between PD and law enforcement. Additionally, 
she was invited to be a speaker at the inaugural Women's March in San 
Luis Obispo where she made the community feel both heard and protected.
  Those who know her describe Deanna as someone who shares herself as a 
person, role model, and friend by visiting schools, sitting on panels, 
and always saying yes when called upon for support. She exemplifies the 
kindness, warmth, determination, intelligence, and caring we hope to 
see in every person in uniform. Deanna's tireless service to our 
district makes her someone who all young women and men can look up to 
with admiration.
  I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an exceptional woman 
of California's 24th Congressional District, Deanna Cantrell, for her 
incredible service to her community. We thank Deanna for her service.

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