[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 20, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E268-E269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE SERVICE OF JOHN KELLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2024

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
distinguished career and public service of Police Chief John Kelley 
from the town of Vernon, Connecticut that is drawing to an honorable 
end on March 22, 2024. Chief Kelley's devotion to duty in the U.S. Army 
Reserve and the Vernon Police Department focused on defending our 
nation and ensuring public safety has always been about caring for and 
serving others. As a resident of Vernon for over forty years, I have 
had the privilege to personally witness the positive impact he has had 
on our town, which is deep and meaningful.
  A Vernon native, Chief Kelly grew up in a family whose patriarch 
Robert Kelley served in town fire service for 42 years, 21 of which as 
Fire Chief. I also knew Bob Kelley and worked with him on fire 
department issues during my time as town attorney and state 
representative. Bob was a true gentleman who led his department by 
example, a trait that his son followed, with great success. John Kelley 
attended Vernon schools and graduated from Rockville High School. After 
high school, he then enrolled at the University of Connecticut in 
Storrs, where he studied Criminal Justice and Sociology, which 
obviously signaled the direction he would follow later in life. After 
graduation his journey of public service began. He enlisted in the U.S. 
Army Reserve, where he honorably served for 6 years.
  Chief Kelley began his career in public safety when he was hired by 
his hometown police department on January 29, 1996. His diligent work 
resulted in a cascade of training awards and frequent promotions. He 
excelled in all aspects of his work. For example, he received the 
Samuel J. Luciano award for graduating first in his class and the TFC 
Allan J. Tuskowski award for overall excellence in training. In his 
career he took on a vast expanse of roles, including serving as a 
Patrol Division, a K-9 handler, Detective Sergeant, Lieutenant, and 
Captain of the Vernon Police Department, all before 2015. Additionally, 
he graduated from the FBI National Academy (273rd session) and the 
Command Training Series, Executive Development program at Roger 
Williams University.
  Given the respect and high regard he earned through the ranks of the 
Police department, he was the ideal candidate for Chief of Police upon 
the retirement of his predecessor, Chief James Kenny. As Chief, Kelley 
made major contributions to the improvement of the Police Department. 
He oversaw the implementation of technological advancements, the 
upgrade of body and dash cameras, upgraded duty handguns and rifles, 
formed a peer support team, and played a key role in the POSTC 
accreditation assessment. He was so proactive that the POSTC 
accreditation was accomplished over two years ahead of schedule. Chief 
Kelley uniquely understands the value of teamwork in public service. 
Most recently in his tenure, Chief Kelley implemented hundreds of 
thousands of COVID-19 Federal American Rescue Plan dollars in Vernon PD 
projects, increasing the town's emergency response capability and 
upgrading its technology.
  Not only did Chief Kelley dedicate immense portions of his time and 
effort to helping his town, but he also equipped these individuals with 
the tools and resources to help themselves in times of need. As Kelley 
put it himself, ``The Vernon Police Department is committed to 
excellence and the delivery of professional police services while 
providing its members with the equipment and training needed to 
successfully complete the mission''. He educated many community members 
and in turn increased their self-sufficiency in moments of need. The 
impact of Chief Kelley's career will live on for many years after his 
departure. His legacy will instill a confident and prepared police 
force that will carry out its mission to foster a safe community that 
he and his family supported throughout many decades.
  Although John Kelley is retiring from his role as Police Chief on 
March 22, 2024, his involvement in the region will continue as he 
transitions to working as an armed school security officer in Ellington 
Public Schools on March 25. Not one to be idle, Mr. Kelley has allotted 
himself a mere three days of rest between retirement and the return to 
work. From his experience and education, one can easily see Chief 
Kelley's promising future as a school security officer. His pleasant 
demeanor and commitment to the wellbeing of other Vernon residents will 
surely inspire the future generations of Americans to follow in his 
footsteps. It will be an honor to continue to serve alongside John 
Kelley in his new role, protecting and educating Northeastern 
Connecticut students who benefit from his example of how to treat other 
individuals with respect and achieve academic success.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize and immortalize the career 
and accomplishments of John Kelley. From the U.S. Army Reserve to the 
Vernon Police Department, to his future role as an armed school 
security officer in Ellington, Chief Kelley has always put his life on 
the line for the safety of others. He is a reliable and amiable 
individual whose devotion to his community shines through in every 
aspect of his being. One may hope that his humility and thoughtfulness 
are emulated by future generations of Americans. As Chief Kelley caps 
off 28 years of consummate service to Vernon, we should acknowledge his 
wife, Kellie, and daughters Grace and Abby. I ask my colleagues in the 
House to join me in commending and thanking John Kelley for his endless 
service to the United States.

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