[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 135 (Thursday, July 30, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT

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                           HON. VERN BUCHANAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 30, 2020

  Mr. BUCHANAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to law 
enforcement men and women who have provided distinguished service to 
the people of Florida's 16th Congressional District.
  Law enforcement is a demanding profession that requires sacrifice, 
courage and a dedication to serve others. Every day, brave men and 
women put themselves in harm's way to enforce the laws of our society 
and protect public safety. They deserve our gratitude and respect.
  Nine years ago, I established the 16th District Congressional Law 
Enforcement Awards, CLEA, to give special recognition to law 
enforcement officers, departments or units for exceptional achievement.
  This year, I will present congressional law enforcement awards to the 
following winners chosen by an independent panel comprised of current 
and retired law enforcement personnel representing a cross-section of 
the district's law enforcement community:
  Dedication and Professionalism: Sergeant Jeremy Beal of the Sarasota 
International Airport Police Department, Deputy Michael Watson of the 
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Officer Joshua Betts of the Holmes 
Beach Police Department and Grade One Detective Jay Gow of the City of 
Bradenton Police Department.
  Career Service Award: Officer Daniel Griesdorn of the City of 
Sarasota Police Department.
  Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award: Officer Ronald Dixon of the 
City of Sarasota Police Department and Deputy Richard Snyder of the 
Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
  Preservation of Life Award: Officer Robert Dodge, Officer Jaime 
Morrison, Officer Brandon Vermillion of the City of Sarasota Police 
Department, Deputy Tara Burge, Deputy Joseph Paavilainen, Deputy 
Antonio Starnes, Deputy Ian Clark and Sergeant Angel Posada-Wilcher of 
the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
  Unit Citation Award: City of Sarasota Police Department Narcotics 
Unit, including Captain John Todd, Lieutenant Scott Mayforth, Sergeant 
Thomas Quinlan, Detective Ryanne Coppinger, Detective Travis Forrister, 
Detective Chase Gloeckner, Detective Ed Howell, Detective John Lake, 
Detective Juan Sanchez and Detective Douglas Vollmer.

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