[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 185 (Thursday, October 21, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H5732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CONGRATULATING CHIEF BRYAN REYES ON HIS RETIREMENT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Ruiz) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Palm 
Springs Police Chief Bryan Reyes, who retired after nearly 30 years of 
service to our communities.
  A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Chief Reyes began his 
career in law enforcement as a reserve police officer for the Compton 
Police Department in 1991.
  After transferring to the Palm Springs Police Department in 1993, he 
rose through the ranks, serving as an officer, detective, sergeant, 
lieutenant, and captain before ultimately becoming police chief.
  Chief Reyes has had a lasting impact on the Palm Springs community 
and has led the department through difficult times.
  On October 8, 2016, during the first year of his tenure as chief of 
police, Palm Springs Police Officers Lesley Zerebny and Gilbert Vega 
were tragically killed in the line of duty.
  Chief Reyes recognized the devastating impact this would have on the 
department, community, and the officers' families. In this difficult 
time, he prioritized the mental health needs of those affected, and his 
guidance brought us all closer together.
  I am honored to have collaborated with Chief Reyes in authoring 
legislation to commemorate the tremendous sacrifice made by Officers 
Zerebny and Vega that day. Named in their honor and inspired by our 
local police officers at the Palm Springs Police Department, the Heroes 
Lesley Zerebny and Gilbert Vega First Responders Survivors Support Act 
would get families of our fallen heroes the support they need and 
ensure they have every opportunity to succeed in life.
  During his more than 6 years of leadership, Chief Reyes strengthened 
the department's community policing in neighborhoods and expanded 
engagement with residents and community organizations.
  Further, he has received numerous accolades for his incredible 
leadership, including lifesaving medals, the officer of the year award, 
and the community heroes award.
  Chief Reyes' 28 years of tireless and dedicated work for the Palm 
Springs community is a testament to his outstanding leadership, 
character, and commitment to the well-being of Palm Springs residents.
  I have no doubt that changes brought about under his leadership will 
continue to improve the lives of Palm Springs police officers and the 
entire Palm Springs community.
  On behalf of the great people of California's 36th Congressional 
District, thank you, Chief Bryan Reyes, for all you have done for our 
community. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement.

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