[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 186 (Monday, December 16, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CELEBRATING BELL COUNTY SHERIFF EDDY LANGE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 16, 2024

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor Sheriff Eddy 
Lange and congratulate him on an outstanding career spanning decades of 
dedicated community service. Sheriff Lange's passion for keeping the 
citizens of Central Texas safe is clearly demonstrated by a lifetime of 
unwavering commitment.
  Sheriff Lange's political career began in 1992 when he was elected as 
the first Republican Justice of the Peace in his county. After serving 
in this role for 12 years, Sheriff Lange was elected to the County 
Commissioner's office. Soon after, he was elected Bell County Sheriff, 
a position he held for another 12 years. He will retire with an 
impressive record of 14-0 contested elections.
  Throughout his tenure, Sheriff Lange implemented several initiatives 
to enhance public safety. This includes the installation of new 
technology, such as in-car video systems and body cams, and the 
creation of the Mental Health Unit of the Sheriff's Department, which 
assists in mental evaluations, provides guidance and resources, and 
works to provide daily support within the jail system. He also adeptly 
managed the rapid growth of the inmate population, which doubled during 
his tenure.
  Sheriff Lange founded several high-impact programs that have left a 
lasting impression on Bell County. He established the School Resource 
Officer Program, which has since grown from one to seven officers 
across three different school districts. This program was designed to 
facilitate quick responses to emergencies on school campuses and to 
foster positive relations between officers and the community. Along 
with his wife, Amy, Sheriff Lange created the Crossroads Program, a 
rehabilitation initiative to teach life skills to inmates and pave the 
way for their success. Finally, Sheriff Lange is the founder of the 
Bell County Sheriff's Foundation, which supports families who have lost 
loved ones in the line of duty. As well as providing scholarships to 
Bell County Peace Officers, the Foundation raises funds in the hopes of 
constructing a memorial to honor those who have given their lives in 
service to Bell County.
  Please join me in commending Sheriff Lange's lifelong commitment to 
keeping our neighborhoods safe. His legacy of achievement and service 
represents the very best of Central Texas.

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