[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 22 (Friday, January 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E83]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING IRMADINE CARSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. VINCE FONG

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 30, 2026

  Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Irmadine ``Irma'' 
Carson of Bakersfield, California, who passed away on January 9, 2026, 
after a lifetime of service to our community in the Central Valley.
  Born on June 24, 1935, to Booker T. Jenkins, Sr., and Benny Mae 
Jenkins, Ms. Carson moved with her family from St. Louis, Missouri, to 
Bakersfield in 1953. In 1955, she married Earnest Carson, and together 
they raised three daughters: Sharon, Karen (Patty), and Camille. Years 
later, she also became the grandmother of Chris, Jason, and Leslie, 
taking great pride in her growing family of grandchildren and great-
grandchildren.
  Ms. Carson dedicated her life to being a public servant and made a 
distinguished career as a trailblazer who supported her community. In 
1959, Ms. Carson became the first Black woman employed at Bakersfield 
City Hall. She later joined the Bakersfield Police Department as its 
first Black female officer and went on to become the department's first 
Black female detective and a patrol sergeant until her retirement in 
1989.
  While working, Ms. Carson earned a bachelor's degree in criminal 
justice from California State University, Bakersfield, in 1978. The 
next year, she was elected to the Bakersfield City School District 
Board of Education, where she served for 15 years and focused on 
strengthening educational outcomes for local students.
  In 1994, Ms. Carson was elected to the Bakersfield City Council, 
becoming the first Black woman to serve in that role. For 16 years, she 
represented Ward 1 in southeast Bakersfield, concentrating on housing, 
neighborhood development, youth services, and economic stability.
  After retiring from law enforcement, Ms. Carson continued her work as 
Executive Director of the Ebony Counseling Center, expanding programs 
addressing addiction recovery, public health education, and family 
support throughout Kern County.
  Ms. Carson is remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, great-
grandmother, and mentor whose influence continues through the people 
and institutions she served. She is survived by her sisters, Cecile 
Chavis and Dolores Chavis, as well as extended family and longtime 
friends.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of 
Irmadine Carson and her lasting contributions to Bakersfield and the 
Central Valley.

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