[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E680]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING CHIEF BILL DICKINSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 14, 2026

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Bill 
Dickinson for his thirty-two years of dedicated service to Kern County 
and to congratulate him on his well-earned retirement from the Kern 
County Probation Department.
  Throughout his career, Chief Dickinson has made a lasting impact on 
communities across the Central Valley by strengthening public safety, 
promoting accountability, and supporting the rehabilitation and 
reintegration of youth convicted of crimes. Chief Dickinson began his 
career with the Kern County Probation Department in 1994 as an Extra-
Help Group Counselor at the Youth Detention Center before quickly 
advancing to a full-time Group Counselor. After earning his bachelor's 
degree in English with a minor in Communications from California State 
University, Bakersfield, he steadily rose through the department's 
ranks, serving as a Deputy Probation Officer, Probation Supervisor, 
Assistant Probation Division Director, and Probation Division Director 
of the Youth Detention Center. Just five years later, he was promoted 
again to Deputy Chief and then appointed by the Superior Court as Chief 
Probation Officer in August of 2023.
  As Chief Probation Officer, he strengthened both public safety and 
youth rehabilitation by expanding evidence-based programming within 
juvenile detention facilities. He also led the department's 
implementation of Senate Bill 823, improving security measures for 
youth who committed serious and violent offenses. Throughout his 
tenure, he secured millions of dollars in funding for vital program 
support, led major Title 15 revisions, and initiated plans to construct 
a new 15,000-square-foot Youth Recreation Center. Through strong 
partnerships with county departments and local organizations, Chief 
Dickinson also helped institute over $20 million in facility 
improvements to better support rehabilitation and ensure long-term 
public safety.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
join me in congratulating Chief Bill Dickinson on his thirty-two years 
of steadfast service to the Kern County community and wishing him a 
happy, well-deserved retirement.

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