[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 183 (Tuesday, November 29, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CELEBRATING SHERIFF GREG AHERN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 2022

  Mr. SWALWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Alameda County 
Sheriff Greg Ahern after 33 years of service to Alameda County.
  Greg graduated from Saint Mary's College with a degree in Economics 
and Business Administration and from the National Academy at the 
Federal Bureau of Investigations.
  Greg joined the Alameda County Sheriffs Department in 1980 and was 
promoted to sergeant at the age of 28. He has served as Sheriff since 
2007, where his leadership led to the implementation of many new 
programs that serve the community.
  Greg developed an Urban Shield tactical training exercise, which was 
the first of its kind in the nation, and was replicated by other cities 
throughout the nation. After the Boston Marathon bombing, Boston Police 
credited Greg's urban Shield exercise with bringing the bombers to 
JustIce.
  In addition, as Sheriff, Greg supported the Alameda County Deputy 
Sheriffs Activities League (DSAL)'s staff in their creation and 
expansion of athletic programming for youth, re-entry internships, and 
work to address food equity in Alameda County. The DSAL boxing and 
soccer leagues are known county-wide, and Dig Deep Farms, founded in 
2010 under Greg's leadership, is not only providing internship 
opportunities to increase job training opportunities for the recently 
incarcerated, but also makes deliveries of fresh produce for patients 
of public health clinics in need of healthy food.
  He also organized and implemented a Tri-Valley Substation for 
additional patrol and community policing coverage for the rural eastern 
part of Alameda County and increased staffing, participation and grant 
funding for the Narcotics Task Force, interoperable communications, 
training, and DNA cold case investigations. Furthermore, during the 
COVID-19 pandemic, Greg managed various departments as the Director of 
Emergency Services for Alameda County, overseeing housing. testing, 
vaccination, hospitalizations, supplies and providing emergency 
workers.
  Under Greg's leadership, the Alameda County Sheriffs Office is better 
equipped, has become more technologically advanced, and is better 
prepared to manage large-scale emergencies.
  Greg helped create a professional culture with well-trained staff 
that treats the community with dignity and respect. I thank Greg for 
his career of serving and protecting Alameda County, in addition to his 
wife, Kathleen, who supported him throughout his service. I wish him 
and his family the best in his retirement.

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