[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 85 (Thursday, May 16, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MATTHEW CHIANG AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA 
 FOR ASIAN AMERICAN AND NATIVE HAWAIIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 2024

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, originating from a proud Taiwanese heritage, 
Matthew's academic Journey culminated in the attainment of a bachelor's 
degree from Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey. 
Although he was brought up in the United States, Matthew possesses a 
remarkable fluency in Mandarin Chinese, a skill that has proven 
invaluable in his dedication to aiding the AAPI community.
  Matthew's professional trajectory commenced in the medical field, 
where he first served as an emergency medical technician before 
advancing to the role of paramedic at Atlantic Health Systems. During 
his 14-year tenure in emergency medicine, he spearheaded the 
establishment of the Disaster Response Team and lent his expertise to 
several disaster deployments in collaboration with the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Notably, his compassionate care 
extended to the pediatric emergency room, where he witnessed firsthand 
the devastating impact of sex crimes and human trafficking on 
individuals, igniting within him a resolute determination to transition 
into law enforcement.
  In 2020, Matthew embarked on a new chapter as he joined the esteemed 
ranks of the Orange County Sheriff's Office, assuming the role of 
deputy sheriff in an area marked by heightened incidences of violent 
crimes. His exemplary service led to a subsequent promotion to 
detective within the Orange County Sex Crimes Unit in 2023, where he 
tirelessly works to prevent such heinous acts and ensure justice for 
victims.
  In 2022, under the leadership of Sheriff John Mina, Matthew played an 
instrumental role in the inception of the OCSO Asian American Pacific 
Islander (AAPI) Liaison Group. Accepting a pivotal role as liaison, 
Matthew dedicated himself to bridging the gap between the AAPI 
community and law enforcement. In Orange County, Florida, where the 
AAPI community comprises approximately 7 percent of the population, 
Matthew's contributions have been profound. His adeptness in Mandarin 
Chinese has facilitated communication in numerous investigations 
involving the AAPI community, including offenses of violent crimes, sex 
crimes, human trafficking, economic crimes, and property crimes. 
Matthew has also assisted outside agencies such as the Army Criminal 
Investigative Division, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, and 
the Florida Department of Law Enforcement with investigations 
pertaining to the AAPI community. Through his efforts, Matthew ensures 
that victim's voices are heard and their stories are duly recognized.
  Matthew Chiang embodies the spirit of excellence and unwavering 
dedication to public service. His profound impact on the law 
enforcement, medical, and AAPI communities exemplifies the highest 
standards of professionalism and compassion.

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