[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 18, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S1009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    TRIBUTE TO ESTELLA D. PATTERSON

 Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the 
remarkable career of Raleigh chief of police Estella D. Patterson, a 
law enforcement officer who has dedicated nearly 30 years of her life 
to protecting and serving her communities.
  Her journey in law enforcement began in 1996, following her 
graduation from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Since 
August 2021, Chief Patterson has been the Raleigh chief of police, 
leading a team of over 900 sworn and civilian employees who share her 
unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Raleigh's 
residents.
  During her renowned tenure in law enforcement, Chief Patterson led 
the implementation of the Greenway Unit and leveraged technology to 
develop the Raleigh Intelligence Center into a Real Time Crime Center. 
Her advocacy for safe communities also led to the city of Raleigh being 
selected to join the Public Safety Partnership City, a national 
designation which brings a wealth of resources and technical assistance 
for crime prevention.
  From 1996 to 2005, Chief Patterson honorably served in the U.S. Army 
Reserve. Her service included combat tours to Kosovo in support of 
Operation Joint Guardian and to Iraq as part of Operation Enduring 
Freedom. Furthermore, Chief Patterson also served for 25 years with the 
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department in multiple positions prior to 
joining the Raleigh Police Department.
  Chief Patterson's career has been marked by a deep love for public 
service and her community. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to 
Chief Patterson for her ultimate dedication to law enforcement and our 
country. I wish Chief Patterson and her family the very best as she 
retires and begins this new chapter of her life. Chief Patterson 
embodies the very best of law enforcement. The city of Raleigh is proud 
of her and forever grateful for her service.

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