[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 122 (Monday, July 27, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF CHIEF LEE BERCAW

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 27, 2026

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
remarkable career and dedicated service of the City of Tampa Chief of 
Police Lee Bercaw. For more than 30 years in law enforcement, including 
three and a half years as Chief of Police, he has exemplified 
unwavering commitment, integrity, and excellence. His forward-thinking, 
consistent leadership and steadfast commitment to safety has lifted the 
City of Tampa and its citizens.
  Chief Lee Bercaw is two-time alumnus of the University of South 
Florida, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminology in 1997 and 
a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration in 2012. In 2021, 
Bercaw also earned a Doctorate Degree in Criminal Justice with a 
specialization in Homeland Security from Saint Leo University.
  Chief Lee Bercaw joined the Tampa Police Department in 1996 as a 
reserve officer and patrolled the streets of Tampa. He then served as a 
police officer for six years. Bercaw worked his way up in the 
department before being appointed as the Chief of Police by Mayor Jane 
Castor in 2023.
  During his tenure, he implemented initiatives for advancing safety, 
fostering relationships and trust within the community. He will leave 
the Tampa Police Department as an advocate for community-oriented 
policing and leadership, stating, ``teaching, mentoring and developing 
future leaders has always been among the most rewarding parts of my 
career, and I look forward to helping shape the next generation of 
criminal justice professionals through research experience, integrity 
and public service.''
  Bercaw's career has been rooted in mentorship and leadership and will 
only continue to flourish at the University of South Florida as an 
associate professor of instruction in the Master of Arts in Criminal 
Justice program. Chief Bercaw will officially retire on August 6, 2026.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the neighbors across the Tampa Bay 
community, I am proud to celebrate the selfless service of Chief Lee 
Bercaw at the Tampa Police Department. Chief Lee Bercaw is a shining 
example of engaging and leading the community with a culture of 
respect, safety and trust.

                          ____________________