[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 162 (Monday, September 20, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING SHERIFF DANIEL J. BUENO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 20, 2021

  Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to one of the most 
influential individuals in Jim Wells County, Sheriff Daniel J. Bueno. 
Sheriff Bueno has dedicated his life to protecting and serving the 
people of his county, and its surrounding areas. His innovation and 
passion for his work will leave a lasting impact on his community.
  Sheriff Bueno was born on December 10, 1955 in Alice, Texas, and 
graduated from Ben Bolt High School in 1974. In his early career, he 
worked as an X-Ray Technician at the local Alice Hospital. There, he 
witnessed the tragedies of child abuse, domestic violence, and 
substance abuse. Seeing these issues drove the Sheriff to find 
solutions to this rising problem in the community.
  Sheriff Bueno began working for the Alice Police Department in 1977 
and gradually climbed the ranks, becoming the Chief of Police in 1999. 
Sheriff Bueno is one of the longest serving police chiefs in South 
Texas.
  Sheriff Bueno is the son of Army Veteran Guillermo Bueno and Elva 
Perez Bueno. Lessons in discipline and the importance of family, 
instilled in him as a child, led him to become involved in the 
Community Action and Outreach of South Texas, where he served as 
President and a longstanding board member. In this role, the Sheriff 
prioritized speaking to South Texas families about domestic violence 
and child abuse prevention programs.
  The Sheriff was also a part of the Los Ninos Program, a group that 
provides educational programs to parents from the City of Alice and 
across the Rio Grande Valley. Sheriff Bueno believes the home is the 
foundation for a child's success.
  The Sheriff's mother, Elva, also influenced his career path. His 
mother was heavily involved with the education system in South Texas. 
This is where he found his passion for the betterment of local 
education. He served as President of the Mexican American School Board 
Association of Texas, and the Ben-Bolt Palito Blanco Independent School 
District Board of Trustees.
  In 2017, Sheriff Bueno created the Loose Livestock and Theft 
Prevention Program. Farmers and ranchers fill out a questionnaire with 
information pertaining to their land and should anything happen, local 
law enforcement officials can notify the owner and aid in helping them 
resolve the issue. Since its creation, the program has grown to over 
350 participants and has helped recover over a million dollars in 
missing property. Sheriffs from all over the state have looked to Jim 
Wells County as a model for implementing similar programs. Sheriff 
Bueno and the Loose Livestock and Theft Prevention Program have given 
residents in these rural areas peace of mind knowing that their law 
enforcement officials have the tools in place to protect them.
  Sheriff Daniel J. Bueno is an inspiration for all who know him. He 
continues to foster justice, protect the people of Jim Wells County, 
and promote safety for those living in rural communities. It is clear 
that Sheriff Bueno is deeply invested in the people of South Texas and 
we cannot thank him enough for his service.

                          ____________________