[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 2, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR 
                            GREGORY LAURAIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2022

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Director 
Gregory Laurain on the occasion of his retirement from Van Buren Police 
Department after over 40 years of service to Van Buren Township, 
Michigan. His significant service to our community is worthy of 
commendation.
  Director Laurain is a graduate of the Northwestern University School 
of Police Staff and Command and the elite FBI National Academy. A well-
rounded leader in public safety, he is also a graduate of the Van Buren 
Township Fire Academy. He began his career with the Van Buren Police 
Department in 1980, working as a reserve police officer. A member of 
the first full time class of police officers in the history of the 
township, he became a patrolman in 1981. Five years later he was 
promoted to Detective Sergeant. In 2006 he was promoted to the role of 
Patrol Captain, supervising seven units within the police department. 
In 2013, he was appointed to serve as Public Safety Director for Van 
Buren Township and was tasked with leading the entire Public Safety 
department, including the united police and fire departments. Under his 
leadership, the police department was accredited through the Michigan 
Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission making it one of only 43 
agencies in the state to earn this honor.
  As a leader known throughout Southeastern Michigan, Director 
Laurain's work did not end at the Township border. He served as 
Commander of the Western Wayne County Special Operations Team, as a 
member of the Drug Enforcement Agency Airport Interdiction Team, and 
with the Michigan State Police Narcotic Interdiction Team. Known for 
his selflessness, integrity, and tireless work ethic, Director Laurain 
is an example among his peers. He was named President of the Wayne 
County Chiefs Association and Board President of the FBI National 
Academy Associates Michigan Chapter. Director Laurain is a member of 
the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and the Southeastern 
Michigan Chiefs of Police. He resides in Michigan with his wife and is 
looking forward to spending more time with his two daughters and 
grandchildren in retirement.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Director 
Gregory Laurain for his over 40 years of exemplary service. He has 
effectively and selflessly served Van Buren Township and has been 
steadfastly dedicated to the safety of our community. I join with 
Director Laurain's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my best 
wishes to him in retirement.

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