[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 197 (Thursday, December 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DARLENE GUTHRIE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JACKIE WALORSKI

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2018

  Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired Elkhart 
Police Officer Darlene Guthrie. Her acts of selflessness, sacrifice, 
and public service have distinguished her among her peers, and she is 
well-deserving of recognition.
  For 20 years, Darlene served as a police officer with the Elkhart 
Police Department, displaying a dedication to public safety and 
commitment to service that have truly made northern Indiana a better 
place to live. Now Darlene is serving her fellow Hoosiers by joining 
the Indiana Reserve Guard.
  Darlene has also spent countless hours rescuing animals, helping her 
neighbors get back on their feet, and volunteering in her community. 
She combined her experience in law enforcement with her passion for 
animals to become a nationally certified Animal Cruelty Investigator, 
eventually taking on the role of rewriting Elkhart County's Animal 
Ordinance and updating the Elkhart Police Department's animal law 
summary. And she served on the Elkhart County Humane Society's Board 
for four years and even became interim director.
  She goes above and beyond in everything she does, and her drive to 
make a difference has not only shined light on the causes closest to 
her heart but has made her a local leader that organizations and 
institutions look to for guidance. Her distinguished leadership and 
love of family, community, and country are what brought her to her most 
recent accomplishment at the age of 52: graduating from the Indiana 
Guard Reserve Basic Training on December 15, 2018.
  Darlene's determination to never give up no matter what life brings 
is an inspiration to us all and teaches a positive message of 
perseverance. We can all learn from someone who never shies away from a 
challenge and always strives to do what is right. It is a privilege to 
represent Hoosiers like Darlene who continue to strengthen our 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Darlene 
Guthrie for her honorable service to the northern Indiana community, 
and congratulating her on her graduation to become a member of the 
Indiana Guard Reserve. Darlene is a role model, a leader, and a 
dedicated public servant who inspires us all.

                          ____________________