[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 110 (Thursday, June 24, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E689-E690]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING SHERIFF JOHN ROBERTSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 2021

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Sheriff John Robertson and to recognize his extensive contributions to 
our community through his leadership in law enforcement.
  A California native, Sheriff Robertson was born and raised in 
Burlingame, California. He went on to attend San Diego State 
University, where he received his degree in Criminal Justice. Sheriff 
Robertson began his accomplished career in Law Enforcement at the San 
Mateo Police Department in 1981. It was there that he established his 
expertise in Hazardous Materials, Explosives, and Incident Management. 
Since June 1991, Sheriff Robertson has been with the Napa County 
Sheriffs Office, where he established himself as a natural leader and 
resource to the Napa community. Soon after, he began teaching at the 
Police Academy and Criminal Justice Training Center, where he 
instructed both Academy Cadets and law enforcement officers on a wide 
variety of topics.
  He became Sheriff of Napa County in 2012 serving for 11 years, 
including during the terrible earthquake in 2014 and the apocalyptic 
fires in 2017, 2019, and 2020. Sheriff Robertson's leadership and 
innovation has recently led to a pilot program utilizing the European 
``Hi-Lo'' siren in patrol cars for use during evacuations. As a result, 
departments across California began participating in this program, 
leading to the passage of Senate Bill 909, which amended the California 
Vehicle Code to

[[Page E690]]

allow for Sheriff Robertson's idea to become an industry norm 
nationwide.
  Throughout his career, Sheriff Robertson has never lost sight of the 
importance of Community Policing. He has tirelessly advocated for 
programs to improve his community, including bicycle patrol in 
jurisdictions like Yountville and Sheriffs Activities League programs 
in Napa and American Canyon. Serving under the mantra ``The less you 
say, the more people listen,'' Sheriff Robertson has established 
himself as a leader in his community and continues to be a resource to 
elected officials and department directors alike. His extensive legacy 
will be continued by his son, Jack, who is serving as Deputy Sheriff in 
Solano County. I wish my friend, colleague, and cycling partner well in 
his retirement.
  Madam Speaker, it is no doubt that Sheriff Robertson's achievements 
will leave a tremendous impact for generations to come. Therefore, it 
is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

                          ____________________