[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 61 (Monday, April 16, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E470-E471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING CONNIE VAN PUTTEN AS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 16, 2018

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Reserve Police Officer,

[[Page E471]]

Detective Connie Van Putten, whom I have named Woman of the Year in 
Contra Costa County, California. Woman of the Year recognizes women who 
have made important contributions to California's 5th Congressional 
District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, 
Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.
  Ms. Van Putten was born in San Diego, California. She graduated from 
the University of La Verne with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. 
In 1965 Ms. Van Putten began her career in law enforcement as a member 
of the San Diego Police Department, where she served for 23 years. She 
was the first woman in the San Diego Police Department to be promoted 
to the rank of Sergeant and Lieutenant.
  In 1985 Ms. Van Putten was selected to attend the FBI National 
Academy in Quantico, Virginia. After completing the program, she served 
as a Captain in the Union City Police Department until her retirement 
in 2000. After retiring from full time service, Ms. Van Putten joined 
the Hercules Police Department Reserve Officer Program. As a Reserve 
Officer Ms. Van Putten has gone above and beyond the call of duty. She 
organized the Prescription Drug Turn In Program where over 800 pounds 
of prescription drugs have been turned in and destroyed and is the 
Department's Public Information Officer. She has donated over 1,200 
hours of service to her community annually both as a uniformed patrol 
officer and a plain clothes detective.
  Ms. Van Putten has also remained active in our community in other 
ways. She has been involved with Prevent Blindness in California, which 
promotes and performs vision screening for preschool children. She also 
has spent 15 years with the Navy League as the liaison to the United 
States Coast Guard Vessel Tern. Ms. Van Putten has been married to her 
husband, Peter, for 42 years.
  Mr. Speaker, Ms. Van Putten is the kind of citizen we should all 
strive to be. She has seamlessly blended her personal and professional 
passions for the betterment of our community. It is therefore fitting 
and proper that we honor Connie Van Putten here today.

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