[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 215 (Tuesday, December 14, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1367]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF JEFF AZZOPARDI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 14, 2021

  Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor South San Francisco Police 
Chief Jeff Azzopardi on the occasion of his retirement. After almost 30 
years of service with the department, Chief Azzopardi has decided that 
it is time for a new chapter in his life that will allow him to spend 
more time with his family. That desire particularly resonates with me 
this year because I announced my own retirement from a job I love to 
spend more time with my family.
  I had the great honor to work with Chief Azzopardi since he was 
appointed in 2014. One of the more memorable occasions was a press 
conference in 2017 in which we announced the first-ever conviction for 
human trafficking in San Mateo County. That success reflected the 
outstanding collaboration of law enforcement, elected officials, and 
nonprofit organizations on the local, state, and federal level. Chief 
Azzopardi played an essential role in that collaboration.
  Jeff Azzopardi was hired as a police recruit for the South San 
Francisco Police Department and sworn in as an officer in 1993. From 
there he rose through the ranks of K-9 officer, S.W.A.T. officer, 
school community liaison officer, police corporal, criminal 
investigations bureau officer, police sergeant, community relations 
sergeant, police lieutenant, criminal investigations bureau commander, 
and police captain. After the retirement of former Chief Mike Massoni 
in 2014, the department conducted a nationwide search and selected Jeff 
Azzopardi as its new chief in September of that year. No matter the 
role, Jeff is dedicated to the safety and well-being of our community. 
He leads by example and always strives for excellence.
  During his time with the department, he successfully completed the 
Inner Perspectives Leadership Program, LAPD Leadership Program, and 
POST Executive Development course. He holds a number of certifications 
from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. 
He also is the former president of the San Mateo County Commanders 
Group, the president of the San Mateo County Police Chief's and 
Sheriffs Association, and the Chief of the North Central Regional 
S.W.A.T. Team and Commissioner for the South San Francisco Commission 
on Racial and Social Equity. Chief Azzopardi understands the importance 
of community relations and has been a leader on several community 
oriented policing projects. He tirelessly emphasized the importance of 
building bridges between his department and our community.
  His outstanding service did not go unnoticed. He received numerous 
awards and honors, including a certificate of commendation from the 
police department for his work as a sexual assault investigator, a 
certificate of commendation from the San Mateo County Board of 
Supervisors, a lifetime achievement award from the South San Francisco 
Chamber of Commerce, the Carl Valero Lifetime Achievement Award from 
Pacifica American Little League, and Police Officer of the Year from 
the San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association.
  Born in San Francisco, Jeff attended Terra Nova High School in 
Pacifica and then received his Bachelor's Degree in Public 
Administration from Chico State University and his Master's Degree in 
Public Administration from Notre Dame de Namur University.
  As South San Francisco's Top Cop is leaving his post, he is looking 
forward to spending more time with his wife of 21 years, Nikole, and 
their sons Nat and Drew.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
rise with me to thank Chief Azzopardi for keeping South San Francisco 
one of the safest and most innovative cities in the Bay Area. His 
exemplary leadership has earned him the respect and adoration of his 
colleagues and South City residents. His contributions over the last 
three decades will outlast his service.

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