[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 8, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF SHERIFF BARRY VIRTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2022

  Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Sheriff 
Barry Virts, who retired December 31, 2021 after 44 years with the 
Wayne County Sheriff's Department. A dedicated public servant, Sheriff 
Virts demonstrated a profound commitment to public safety throughout 
his career.
  Sherriff Virts is a lifelong resident of the Town of Rose in Wayne 
County, New York and graduate of North Rose-Wolcott High School. He 
earned an Associate's degree from Erie Community College and began his 
career in law enforcement in 1977 as a corrections officer for the 
Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Sherriff Virts was quickly promoted to 
road patrol deputy a year later, sergeant in 1985, and criminal 
investigations lieutenant in 1988. In 1999, he began overseeing the 
Wayne County jail as Chief Deputy.
  Following ten years with the jail division, in 2009 Sherriff Virts 
was elected Sheriff of Wayne County. At the outset of his term, Sheriff 
Virts placed a significant emphasis on improving support for victims 
and collaboration between various police departments. For his work, 
Sheriff Virts has received local honors and served on over thirteen 
community and advisory boards including the Wayne County Criminal 
Justice Council, Wayne County Jail Advisory, Victim Resource Center, 
Wayne County Diversity Task Force, Wayne County Pretrial Youth and 
Adult Diversion. He also served on the Council on Alcoholism & Other 
Addictions, Wayne County Fire Chief's Association, and the Wayne County 
Housing Consortium.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in 
recognizing the career of Sheriff Barry Virts and his commitment to 
public safety. I wish Sheriff Virts the best in his retirement.

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