[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 208 (Wednesday, December 9, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1122]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING UNIVERSAL CITY POLICE CHIEF GARY SPEER

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                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2020

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and 
service of Universal City Police Chief Gary Speer. Chief Speer has 
retired after 40 years in law enforcement and 36 years of service with 
the Universal City Police Department.
  Chief Speer is an individual who consistently displayed the utmost 
commitment to his community. He began his career in law enforcement in 
1981 as a reserve officer for Bexar County Precinct 3. He eventually 
served in a few different departments before joining the Universal City 
Police Department as a patrolman in 1984. Over time he steadily rose 
through the ranks. He achieved the rank of Sergeant in 1989, Lieutenant 
in 1997, Assistant Chief in 2001, and soon earned the position of Chief 
in 2007. During this time, he was also honored with several awards 
including Police Officer of the Year by the Lions Club and Police 
Officer of the Year for the State of Texas by the American Legion.
  I have worked with Chief Speer over the years and witnessed first-
hand the essential work he has done to keep his community safe. He 
cared deeply about the people he served and consistently showed what it 
means to put the well-being of others first. The dedication that he has 
shown to us all should be a constant reminder of how we should be in 
our daily lives. This devotion to others is also consistent with the 
history of his family. Chief Speer's Grandfather, father, and brother 
all served their communities as members of law enforcement.
  In addition to the hard work and dedication he showed as a member of 
the law enforcement community, he is also an active member of his 
community. He is a member of Shriners International, the San Antonio 
Livestock Exposition and its Scramble Committee, the Texas Police 
Association, and the Texas Police Chiefs Association. But most 
importantly, he is a devoted father and grandfather.
  As we move forward, let us take the time to appreciate the service of 
heroes like Chief Speer and all the individuals who risk their lives 
each day to keep us safe. However, in the words of President John F. 
Kennedy, ``As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the 
highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.''
  Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the career and service of 
Chief Speer

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