[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 31 (Friday, February 13, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATING CHIEF JEFF TATE ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. ANGIE CRAIG

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 13, 2026

  Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my friend, Chief 
Jeff Tate, on his retirement after 28 years with the Shakopee Police 
Department. Chief Tate is a dedicated public servant and model for 
community first policing.
  Under his leadership, the Shakopee PD launched Minnesota's first-ever 
police recovery assistance program in 2015. The Shakopee Police 
Recovery Assistance Program (RAP) provides people in active addiction 
with scholarship money to seek treatment and has served dozens of 
Minnesotans since its inception.
  Chief Tate's work to address the addiction crisis extends well beyond 
Minnesota. In 2023, he became one of eleven officers to join the Public 
Safety Council for the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery 
Initiative (PAARI), helping spread the importance of this work across 
the country. Last year, he received recognition from PAARI and was 
presented with the ``Leadership Award for Advocacy and Community''.
  I first met Chief Tate after becoming the Congresswoman for 
Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District in 2019. Over the years, I've 
sought guidance from Chief Tate, especially on topics related to law 
enforcement, community policing, mental health and addiction. I have 
also had the honor of working with him through my Mental Health and 
Substance Use Disorder Advisory Council, where his insights have been 
invaluable.
  Chief Tate's compassionate approach to policing is respected and 
recognized by his peers. He has won numerous awards including the MN 
Chiefs of Police Association ``President's Award'' and the MN 
Department of Public Safety's ``Distinguished Public Leadership 
Award''. Last year, Mothers Against Drunk Driving awarded Chief Tate 
and the Shakopee PD their ``Outstanding Law Enforcement Agency Award''.
  I am grateful for Chief Tate's public service and share his love of 
country music--especially Garth Brooks. His impact in Shakopee and 
across Minnesota will be felt for generations to come. I wish Chief 
Tate the best in retirement.

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