[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 159 (Friday, September 30, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1005-E1006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING ZACH LEKSE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 30, 2022

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Zach 
Lekse, an Investigations Sergeant with the Martinez Police Department. 
I have named Mr. Lekse as a Public Safety Hero of the Year for Contra 
Costa County in California's 5th District as a result of his 
extraordinary selflessness, dedication, and service to others.
  Mr. Lekse began his career in law enforcement shortly after 
graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 2001. For nearly ten 
years, he served with the Pleasant Hill Police Department as a 
detective, defense tactics instructor, and SWAT team member before 
joining the Martinez Police Department in 2014. There he began as a 
Police Officer before becoming a Narcotics Task Force Officer, Patrol 
Sergeant, and most recently, an Investigations Sergeant.
  During a suspicious vehicle stop in early 2019, Mr. Lekse discovered 
a small amount of methamphetamine and learned from the driver that a 
mid-level dealer was living and operating near the Martinez Police 
Department. Noting that the dealer was on probation, Mr. Lekse 
coordinated a search that resulted in the seizure of \1/4\ pound of 
methamphetamine, a loaded handgun, and $5,000 in cash. Continuing with 
his investigation, Mr. Lekse connected the dealer to the Guzman family 
cartel of Mexico and ascertained key information about their operation.
  Over the course of several months, Mr. Lekse worked with the FBI to 
lead a massive multi-agency effort resulting in multiple drug seizures 
and 12 indictments. In total, numerous firearms, approximately 100 
pounds of methamphetamine, heroin, illicit mushrooms, $23,000 in cash, 
and $80,000 of assets were seized. Through his determination, 
leadership, and investigative prowess, Mr. Lekse successfully 
coordinated a complex investigation into a drug trafficking 
organization that largely evaded justice for 7 years.
  Madam Speaker, we thank Mr. Lekse for his persistence and 
investigative skill. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor 
him here today.

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