[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 131 (Friday, August 16, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E825-E826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL CAPTAIN VINCENT PAGANO OF 
                     BAKERSFIELD ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. VINCE FONG

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 16, 2024

  Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor California Highway 
Patrol Captain Vincent Pagano of Bakersfield. Throughout his 
distinguished career, Captain Pagano has demonstrated an unwavering 
commitment to our community and our country.
  Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Captain Pagano's public service 
began with his enrollment in the U.S. Navy in 1985. Following his 
graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1989, where he graduated with 
a bachelor's degree in physical sciences, Captain Pagano served as a 
U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, specializing in anti-submarine warfare and 
combat search and rescue operations. Captain Pagano served as a Force 
Protection and Security Office, ensuring security of key military 
installations, military personnel, and civilians.
  Beginning in 1999, Kern County would soon benefit from his Navy 
learning when Captain Pagano joined the California Highway Patrol, 
assigned to the Altadena incline. Captain Pagano answered the call of 
protecting our communities--serving in Buttonwillow, Fresno, and the 
Grapevine. His leadership and professionalism earned him the respect 
and admiration of his colleagues and the communities he served, as he 
was promoted to Sergeant in 2012 and Lieutenant in 2017. From 2019 to 
2022, he received his first area command, as Commander in the Fort 
Tejon Area. Finally, in January of 2022, Pagano was promoted to Captain 
and Commander of the Bakersfield division of the California Highway 
Patrol. In this role, he has continued to uphold the highest standards 
of law enforcement, ensuring the safety and security of the residents 
of Bakersfield and the millions who traverse California's highways.
  Following Pagano's promotion, he immediately launched initiatives to 
prevent distracted driving deaths and DUIs, and generally encouraging 
drivers to act more courteously on California's famously busy highways.
  California's Central Valley remains beautiful and prosperous, due to 
the heroism and dedication of people like Captain Pagano, who keep our 
neighborhoods safe. Captain Pagano's selfless service in both the U.S. 
Navy and the California Highway Patrol reflects the best of those who 
wear the uniform. His lifelong embodiment to safety, service, and 
security, the motto of California Highway Patrol, serves as an example 
for all who aspire to serve our country and communities with honor.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in expressing our deepest gratitude to 
Captain Vincent Pagano for his outstanding service to our country and 
his tireless dedication to public safety. On behalf of the 20th 
Congressional District of California, I would like to congratulate 
Captain Pagano for his heroic four-decade career protecting our 
families and communities and wish him the best in his rightly merited 
retirement.

[[Page E826]]

  

                          ____________________