[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 5 (Thursday, January 9, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E15]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING CHIEF IAN SCHMUTZLER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 9, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Police 
Chief Ian Schmutzler, a leader and public servant who has served the 
Vacaville community and beyond for nearly three decades. Chief 
Schmutzler's commitment to public safety and his efforts to strengthen 
community-police relations exemplify why he is deserving of recognition 
as he approaches his well-earned retirement.
  Chief Schmutzler was born at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, 
California, and has remained deeply connected to the region throughout 
his life. He earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in 
Criminal Justice from California State University Sacramento, and later 
completed a professional certificate in Law Enforcement Command from 
the University of San Diego.
  Chief Schmutzler's distinguished law enforcement career began in 1997 
with the Oakland Police Department, before he joined the Vacaville 
Police Department in 2000. Over the years, he has held numerous 
leadership roles, including Field Training Officer, Detective, 
Commander of the Field Operations and Support Bureaus, and ultimately 
Chief of Police. His tenure as Chief has been marked by significant 
accomplishments. Under his leadership, the department expanded 
community outreach through initiatives like the Police Activities 
League (PAL), which has fostered lasting relationships with younger 
generations. Additionally, Chief Schmutzler secured a $4.4 million 
state grant to construct a Real-Time Information Center, positioning 
Vacaville as a leader in crime-fighting innovation
  Chief Schmutzler's commitment to service extends well beyond his 
professional duties. He has held leadership positions in organizations 
such as the Solano County Law Enforcement Administrators Association, 
Vacaville Police Managers Association, and Leaven Kids, and has served 
on the boards of the Vacaville Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club and other 
local organizations. Chief Schmutzler also shares his expertise as an 
Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at Union Institute & University 
and as an instructor at Napa Valley College's Criminal Justice Training 
Center, ensuring that future generations of law enforcement 
professionals benefit from Chief Schmutzler's wisdom and experience.
  Alongside his wife, April, Chief Schmutzler has raised their two 
sons, Jacob and Colin, in Vacaville and plans to spend his retirement 
in our community he has long served.
  Mr. Speaker, it is fitting and proper that we honor Police Chief Ian 
Schmutzler for his service, leadership, and dedication to the Vacaville 
community. We wish him a fulfilling retirement and thank him for his 
lifelong commitment to making our community a safer place.

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