[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 187 (Thursday, November 21, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONOR OF SUSAN MANHEIMER, RETIRING POLICE CHIEF OF SAN MATEO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 21, 2019

  Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, local law enforcement often establishes a 
link with children through use of a costumed character known as 
``McGruff the Crime Dog.'' Universally trusted, McGruff makes police 
and their awesome duties accessible. However, in the City of San Mateo, 
McGruff is outmatched in popularity by Police Chief Susan Manheimer. 
Once you know Chief Manheimer, it's easy to see why many in a room give 
her a hug and ignore the dog.
  She is a Chief who is tough but kind, patient with the just but 
impatient with the dishonorable, quick to draw a line in the sand when 
public safety necessitates it but equally quick to reach out to 
troubled youths or adults when the security of the community and human 
dignity require it. Many parents with troubled teens have come to know 
Susan under difficult circumstances. Most would tell you her influence 
was akin to a heavenly blessing wrapped in a dark blue uniform with a 
badge.
  Chief Manheimer is now retiring. From all who know her, it is likely 
that one tear will be shed in joy because she earned family and 
recreation time and they are happy about her future. Another will be 
shed because the wisdom she exhibited must now be found amongst the 
rest of us. We wonder if we are equal to the task.
  Her mantra is ``community policing.'' The gift of her service is that 
she stressed both words equally. She first exhibited this talent as an 
officer in one of San Francisco's most challenging neighborhoods, the 
Tenderloin. She spearheaded a Safety Ambassador Program, a community 
improvement district, homeless outreach teams, and juvenile diversion 
and referral practices. Her resume notes that she served with the SFPD 
decoy unit, as well as in violent-crime suppression and gang 
suppression. As her star rose within the department, it was obvious 
that the community trusted Susan Manheimer.
  In 2000, she was welcomed as the first woman to serve as the San 
Mateo Police Chief. Under her leadership, and with the strong support 
of the outstanding men and women of the San Mateo Police Department, 
the community, city management, and her city council, the department 
received awards for the improved quality of life in San Mateo.
  She built her department's practices based upon evidence about 
sustainable solutions that strike at the root of neighborhood safety 
and quality of life. Her department emphasizes building legitimacy, 
trust and engagement between the police and the community.
  This is best exhibited by remarks of one of the past officers who 
managed the Police Activities League. When that officer would see a 
group of boisterous teens on a street corner, she could often recognize 
each of them and would wave. They were her team members, not a youth 
gang. Chief Manheimer, joined by an outstanding staff, built that close 
relationship with the community. In addition to youth sports, she also 
started homeless outreach teams and sought increased resources for the 
homeless. Crime was suppressed by working with neighborhood leaders. 
Youth crime plummeted in part because sports substituted for mischief.
  Chief Manheimer's regional, state, national, and international 
professional accomplishments are too numerous to mention in full. These 
include serving on the Juvenile Justice Committee of the International 
Association of Chiefs of Police, serving as the first woman President 
of the California Police Chief's Association and the San Mateo County 
Chief's and Sheriff's Association, and serving on the Board of 
Directors of the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center. She holds a 
Bachelor's in Business Management from Saint Mary's College in Moraga 
and a Master's in Educational Leadership from San Diego State 
University.
  It's been a privilege to call Susan Manheimer a friend. She can be 
riotously funny and is always the spark in the room of any gathering. 
When she shows up in uniform, her shoes are polished to Marine Corps 
standards. Her son, Jesse, is a Captain in the Corps. Ever competitive, 
Mom won't be outdone. Her daughter, Sarah, is an accomplished attorney. 
Susan is also the grandmother of Jackson, Lucas and Karina.
  Madam Speaker, we were fortunate Police Chief Susan Manheimer has led 
the City of San Mateo with us. McGruff will someday come back in his 
uniform. Susan will walk amongst us in civilian attire. That's ok. In 
our childhood imaginations we adored McGruff. In the adult world, we 
will always love our favorite top cop. Happy retirement Police Chief 
Susan Manheimer.

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