[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20979]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                      A TRIBUTE TO TERRENCE STARR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 1999

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize and pay tribute to an outstanding public servant, Mr. 
Terrence Starr, on the occasion of his retirement as Chief Probation 
Officer with the Contra Costa County Probation Department.
  Mr. Starr began his probation career in San Diego County where he 
worked for 29 years in various capacities, including superintendent of 
juvenile hall and superintendent of various camp facilities. He served 
as Chief Probation Officer of Shasta County from 1990 to 1995, and 
assumed the position of Chief Probation Officer of Contra Costa County 
in November of 1995.
  Terry Starr's tenure in Contra Costa County has been brief, but 
incredibly effective. Over the past four years he has successfully led 
the effort to secure funding for a badly needed new juvenile hall 
facility which is expected to be completed in 2003. He expanded the 
Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility, the local county-run boys' 
camp, by 26 beds, and was instrumental in opening the Summit Center.
  The 25 bed Summit Center, which is an innovative example of 
successful interagency coordination and cooperation, is staffed and run 
by the country's probation, mental health and education departments, 
and offers treatment and assistance to young male offenders who are 
struggling with serious emotional difficulties. Mr. Starr has most 
recently developed a 20 bed specialized treatment facility and program 
for girls, which is comparable to the Summit Center for boys. The Chris 
Adams Girls' Center is slated to open in December 1999. Mr. Starr has 
been instrumental in securing numerous grants from both the state and 
federal government to place probation officers in high schools through 
out Contra Costa County and to provide much needed treatment services 
for girls.
  The leadership abilities Mr. Starr possesses are extraordinary. They 
have been demonstrated by his successful term as President of the 
California Probation, Parole, and Correctional Association and his 
appointment by Governor Pete Wilson to serve for several years on the 
Board of Corrections, representing the Chief Probation Officers of 
California.
  Terry Starr is a hardworking, highly principled individual who is a 
committed and effective advocate for children. Indeed, he has devoted 
his life to helping those most in need and has made an immeasurable 
difference in the lives of so many children and their families. He is 
well-liked and respected by his staff, friends, and colleagues and will 
be sorely missed by all.
  It is with great pleasure, albeit with a measure of regret, that I 
congratulate Terry Starr upon his retirement. I wish him a long, happy, and healthy retirement enjoying the animals and outdoors he so loves.

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