[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 146 (Monday, September 8, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E821]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING JAY VARNEY'S RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ADAM GRAY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2025

  Mr. GRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jay Varney, Madera 
County's Chief Administrator, for his service and accomplishments as he 
retires after four decades of public service.
  Mr. Varney earned his Master of Science degree in Criminology from 
Fresno State and his Bachelor of Science degree in Resource Development 
from Michigan State University.
  He went on to serve with the Dallas Police Department and the 
Lansing, Michigan, Police Department before becoming Police Chief and 
then City Administrator for the City of Chowchilla, California.
  In 2014, Mr. Varney came to Madera and was elected to serve as the 
Madera County Sheriff. In 2020, the Madera County Board of Supervisors 
appointed Mr. Varney as County Administrative Officer, overseeing 25 
county departments and a half-billion-dollar budget.
  COVID hit almost as soon as he was hired, and Mr. Varney found 
himself navigating Madera County through one of the most challenging 
times in recent history. He played a vital role in helping Madera 
County survive and thrive through COVID. Thanks to his hard work, 
Madera County played an important part in the reopening of Madera 
Community Hospital.
  Under Mr. Varney's direction and guidance, Madera County has seen 
significant growth in revenue, housing and business. Capital 
improvements flourished under his watch with the Madera County Justice 
Center as well as Fire Station No. 3 and the upgrading of Fire Station 
No. 11 through a cooperative, grant-funded project with North Fork 
Mono. He also oversaw Madera County's continuing expansion along 
Highway 41 with the Riverstone and Tesoro Viejo developments.
  Mr. Varney was instrumental in establishing the Sheriff's Foundation, 
which has raised more than a half-million dollars. The Sheriffs 
Foundation has secured vital search-and-rescue equipment like the 
county's Cessna 172 aircraft, giving law enforcement a better view from 
above, and the Screamer Seats first responders attach to helicopters, 
which has already saved one stranded hiker's life. The Sheriffs 
Foundation also helped create and build the county's K9 unit. Every dog 
on the road in Madera County today has been provided by funding from 
the Sheriffs Foundation.
  Please join me in honoring Jay Varney for his dedication, commitment 
and public service for more than 42 years to the people of Madera 
County.

                          ____________________