[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 60 (Monday, April 8, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S2293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JOHN BARTHELMES

 Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, today I would like to recognize Mr. 
John Barthelmes of Hopkinton, NH, and celebrate his well-deserved 
retirement after years of service to New Hampshire and America.
  In 1976, John began his career in public service as a State trooper 
in New Hampshire's North Country, where he fell in love with his 
wonderful wife, Jadean. He then rose through the ranks to become 
colonel of New Hampshire State Police, a position he held from 1996 to 
1999. After retiring from the State police, John served as the director 
of the New England High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area agency, until 
2007 when Governor Lynch appointed him to serve as commissioner of the 
department of safety. I am proud and honored that, as Governor, I had 
the opportunity to reappoint this exceptional public servant to lead 
our department of safety.
  As commissioner, John has focused on maintaining New Hampshire's 
status as one of the safest States in the Nation and on improving 
services for our citizens. Under his leadership, the department has 
effectively managed severe weather events and other emergencies. He 
also oversaw the merger of the State police and highway patrol and the 
overhaul of the State police officer recruitment process.
  Additionally, under John's leadership, the department has 
dramatically reduced wait times at the Division of Motor Vehicles, 
given citizens the option to renew their drivers' licenses online, and 
undertaken a number of other improvements.
  Underscoring his commitment to helping the people of New Hampshire, 
John is an outspoken advocate for treatment options for behavioral 
health and has served on the board of Riverbend Community Mental 
Health. John also serves on the New Hampshire Advisory Council on 
Emergency Preparedness and Security and the Governor's Commission on 
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery.
  But as impressive as John Barthelmes' service, effectiveness, and 
achievements are, it is his insight, even-keeled demeanor, and 
extraordinary kindness that distinguishes him the most. A man of 
impeccable character and deep understanding of the human condition, 
John Barthelmes broadened the outlook of everyone he worked with and 
gave hope to all he served.
  Ensuring the safety of our people and communities is the most 
important role of government. Doing it with the skill, professionalism, 
and wisdom that John Barthelmes exhibited throughout his career is 
extraordinary.
  I thank John for his dedication to keeping our people and communities 
safe, and I thank John's family for their willingness to share him with 
the people of New Hampshire.
  I hope you will join me in honoring a dedicated Granite Stater, John 
Barthelmes.

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