[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 35 (Friday, February 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E149-E150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING SERGEANT ERIK OLSON
______
HON. MIKE THOMPSON
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, February 21, 2025
Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor
Sergeant Erik Olson of the Napa County Sheriff's Office. I have named
Sergeant Olson as the California 4th District's Public Safety Hero of
the Year for
[[Page E150]]
Napa County as a result of his extraordinary selflessness, dedication
and service to others.
Born in Hayward, California, Sergeant Olson moved to Napa in 1980. He
is a graduate of Vintage High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in
Criminal Justice Administration from Sonoma State University. Sergeant
Olson attended the Napa Valley College Police Academy, graduating as
class president in 2005.
In December of 2005 Sergeant Olson began his career with the Napa
County Sheriff's Office. During his nineteen years of service, Sergeant
Olson has held a multitude of positions, including Marine Patrol
Deputy, K-9 Handler, Field Training Officer, Search and Rescue Team
Liaison, Community Emergency Response Team Liaison, Napa Sheriff's
Mounted Posse Liaison, EVOC/PIT Instructor, and Mobile Field Force Team
Leader. Sergeant Olson was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2021,
retiring his K-9 partner of seven years, Chase. Sergeant Olson
currently serves as the Marine Patrol and Off Highway Vehicle Unit
Supervisor in Lake Berryessa.
On June 8, 2024, the Napa Central Dispatch received 9-1-1 calls
regarding a shooting and fight between ten individuals in the Oak
Shores Day Use Area of Lake Berryessa. Sergeant Olson responded to this
call, learning as he arrived on the scene there were multiple victims
with stab wounds and a gunshot victim. Sergeant Olson then attempted to
locate the gunshot victim, breaking up a fight and assisting an
unconscious victim in the midst of his search. After locating the
shooting victim, Sergeant Olson immediately administered life-saving
measures. Tragically, the victim passed from their injuries.
As the only officer on the scene for seven minutes, Sergeant Olson's
presence was essential in bringing calm to the situation. He performed
essential aid to victims and provided Napa Central Dispatch with
critical information to relay to other responding units. Sergeant
Olson's quick response allowed the shooting suspect to be apprehended
and for safety to be restored to the area.
Sergeant Olson's actions during this incident show selfless
dedication and service at the highest levels to our community and the
Law Enforcement profession.
Outside of his law enforcement service, Sergeant Olson is also
involved in his community, serving at The Father's House ``We Love Our
City'' Ministry, which works in partnership with the Napa Valley Food
Bank. Beyond his community service, Sergeant Olson loves to spend time
with his wife, Sara, and their two daughters, Kadance and Kirra. He is
an avid golfer and enjoys spending time outdoors, both hobbies he
enjoys with his family.
Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Olson's actions on June 8, 2024, as well as his
nineteen years of work with the Napa County Sheriff's Office, exemplify
the ideals of public service. His courage, dedication, and quick-
thinking are truly admirable, and we honor him today.
____________________