[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 47 (Tuesday, March 14, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING VIVIAN RODRIGUEZ AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA 
                       FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 14, 2023

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Vivian Rodriguez retired from the New York 
City Police Department after completing 21 years of service and 
achieving the highest recognition within the Detective Bureau--first 
grade detective.
  During her law enforcement career, she served in many specialized 
units, including the Organized Crime Control Bureau and the Dignitary 
and Executive Protection Unit safeguarding the New York City mayor and 
his family. Vivian was assigned to the Intelligence Division during the 
9/11 terrorist attack and was involved in various covert anti-terrorism 
operations to secure New York City and the homeland from future 
terrorist incidents. Vivian worked for several years as a consultant 
and trainer with the Department of Homeland Security delivering a 
national Anti-Terrorism Intelligence Awareness Training Program to 
State and local law enforcement agencies.
  Vivian relocated to Orlando, Florida, after her retirement and became 
active with the local Orange County Democratic Party where she 
eventually was elected as the vice chair. As the president of the 
Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida, Vivian advocated for Latino 
empowerment and inclusion and became the chair of the Florida 
Democratic Party Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She has been active 
with many Hispanic, women, and LGBTQ+ civil rights organizations 
including Ruth's List and the Human Rights Campaign. Additionally, she 
was both the president and executive director of the Gay Officers 
Action League in New York City and Central Florida.
  In 2020, Vivian was elected as a DNC member with the Florida 
delegation. She currently serves on the DNC Women's Executive Committee 
and is the DNC LGBTQ and DNC Hispanic Caucus southern regional 
representative. Vivian recently retired on March 31, 2022, after 
serving more than 5 years as the outreach director and law enforcement 
coordinator for Congressman Darren Soto. She has also worked and 
contributed her campaign experience with several congressional, State, 
and local races.

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