[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 3, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E500-E501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LEGACY OF MADERA COUNTY SHERIFF JOHN ANDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 2025

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Madera 
County Sheriff John Anderson. Born and raised in Williams, California, 
John enlisted in the United States Army directly out of high school and 
served four years in active duty with most of his service being based 
in West Germany and as an adviser in Laos.
  After his honorary time served in the United States Army, John 
returned home and was working in a local feed mill for just a few 
months when he was approached, by the Police Chief of the City of 
Williams, to work a graveyard shift with the Williams City Police 
Department. This offer would be the start of a long and fulfilling 
career in law enforcement, later serving as a Deputy Sheriff in 
Stanislaus County.
  By 1964, John joined the California Highway Patrol where he held 
significant roles over the

[[Page E501]]

span of 35 years. Some of his assignments included being a special 
representative with the California State Legislature and United States 
Congress. He had received an educational assignment to achieve a 
master's degree in public administration for professional advancement 
and had initiated the ``El Protector Program'' which impacted traffic 
safety by assisting non-English speaking drivers, which went from 
statewide to national implementation. His achievements had awarded him 
many recognitions for his dedication and leadership which led to an 
appointment as Commander of the CHP Academy, Division Commander of the 
Northern Divisions and additionally the Central Divisions.
  Elected as Madera County Sheriff in 1998, John held this position for 
16 years until his retirement in 2014. Sheriff Anderson played a 
critical role in modernizing the Madera County Sheriffs Office by 
rewriting the department's policies and procedures, ensuring they met 
the highest contemporary law enforcement standards. His vision led to 
numerous technological upgrades, enhancing the department's ability to 
efficiently serve and protect Madera County residents.
  Following his retirement as Sheriff, John was appointed by California 
State Senator Anthony Cannella to serve as the 12th District Law 
Enforcement Liaison and as a representative of the Madera and Fresno 
communities, a role he proudly fulfilled until 2018.
  His legacy of service, innovation, and dedication will continue to 
inspire all who had the privilege of working with him As we mourn his 
loss, let us celebrate his life and the indelible mark he left on our 
community after dedicating more than five decades to law enforcement 
and the protection of the communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my esteemed colleagues to join me in 
commemorating the legacy of Madera County Sheriff John Anderson. John 
is survived by his wife Kathleen Anderson, his two sons John and 
Charles Anderson, stepson Dylan Stone and stepdaughter Tricia Stone, 
along with eight grandchildren.

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