[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 135 (Friday, August 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING CHIEF T.R. MERICKEL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 11, 2023

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief T.R. 
Merickel for his 26 years of dedicated service to the Kern County 
Probation Department and congratulate him on his well-earned 
retirement. Chief Merickel became a resident of the Central Valley as a 
young man when he began attending California State University, 
Bakersfield in 1992. Not only did he excel academically during his time 
in school, but he also was a renowned member of the Roadrunner 
Wrestling team--even being selected for a two time PAC-10 All-Academic 
team selection. In 1996, he graduated summa cum laude with degrees in 
history and religious studies. Following graduation, Chief Merickel 
began his career with the Kern County Probation Department, where he 
worked as a Group Counselor in Juvenile Hall. He was quickly promoted 
to Deputy Probation Officer and worked in Juvenile Supervision, 
Investigations, and Intake. In 2004, Chief Merickel became a Probation 
Supervisor and oversaw the Adult and Juvenile Divisions. During his 
time as Supervisor, he became an expert in sentencing and case law and 
was responsible for the implementation of the Static Risk and Needs 
Assessment (SRNA) tool for the Adult Division. Seven years later, Chief 
Merickel was promoted to Division Director of Adult Services. In this 
role, he was critical in the implementation of Assembly Bill 109, the 
Public Safety Realignment Act of 2011, in Kern County. As Director, 
Chief Merickel was a member of the Community Corrections Partnership 
and worked with local partners on the bill's implementation to focus on 
safety, alternative sanctions, and reducing recidivism in Kern County. 
In 2014, the Kern County Superior Court named Chief Merickel as Chief 
Probation Officer. Chief Merickel has been committed to the Kern County 
Probation Department's mission of public safety for decades. His 
dedication to his colleagues, his work, and his community is a true 
testament to Chief Merickel's character and leadership. I know that his 
service to the Department and his commitment to the safety of Kern 
County will have a lasting impact for years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives 
to join me in thanking Chief Merickel for his decades of service to the 
Central Valley and wishing him a happy and well-deserved retirement.

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