[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27315]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 27315]]

                          EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

                     HONORING SHERIFF BOB KIMMERLY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 15, 2000

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure today to recognize 
my friend, and one of the most dedicated public servants I know--
Berrien County Sheriff Robert Kimmerly. With the retirement of Bob 
Kimmerly, Berrien County and the entire State of Michigan will lose 
years of valuable service and experience in law enforcement.
  As a resident of Berrien County, I have seen the results of Bob's 
work firsthand. Since being elected Sheriff in 1992, Bob sought to 
enforce the laws in our area in a firm, fair and impartial way--and I 
think he's been successful. In addition to working to upgrade the 
technology and communication between State and local law enforcement 
agencies, Bob has also worked to facilitate communication between these 
agencies and the community.
  The close and effective working relationship Bob maintained with the 
community will clearly be remembered as one of the hallmarks of Bob's 
service. He worked to foster a close working relationship with senior 
citizens and law enforcement, implemented e-mail communication between 
Neighborhood Watch Groups, Senior Citizen Centers and law enforcement 
and partnered with area schools to provide student violence prevention 
and response programs.
  Bob has worked not only for the safety of our communities, but the 
officers under his charge. During his tenure, he implemented computer 
aided dispatching, mobile vehicle locators for patrol vehicles, mobile 
data terminals and squad car video cameras. These advances, however, 
were implemented with a keen eye toward fiscal responsibility. As 
Sheriff, Bob worked to firmly enforce the laws while at the same time 
reducing the cost of inmate incarceration. Bob was also a creative 
Sheriff. As such, he implemented a ``Work Alternative Program'' which 
provided Berrien County with over 14,000 hours of community service.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe I speak for every citizen in Berrien County 
when I extend our congratulations and best wishes for a retirement 
filled with happiness and productivity. I submit my remarks into the 
Congressional Record to ensure that this and future generations of 
Americans have the opportunity to reflect on and know of the 
significant contributions Bob Kimmerly has made to Berrien County and 
the entire State of Michigan.

                          ____________________