[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17024]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 17024]]

                HONORING SGT. JOHN MINOR AND MARK WATSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize two special 
individuals in Silverthorne, Colorado. Sergeant John Minor and Mark 
Watson are the only foreign-born police officers employed by the city. 
Silverthorne is relatively unique in its acceptance of non-citizens on 
the police force during a time when other towns debate whether this 
should be allowed or not; Silverthorne has set its own precedent.
  John Minor moved to the United States from Liverpool, England with 
his family in 1977. They moved to Colorado where they had relatives. 
John Minor took night classes after which he followed in his 
grandfather's footsteps and began a career in law enforcement. 
Eventually John Minor became a U.S. Citizen. John Minor is now paving 
the way for others to have the same opportunity.
  Mark Watson moved to Colorado because of his love for skiing in 1988. 
He too had a respect for the law, being the son of a judge in New 
Zealand. After settling down, he spoke with John Minor about how to 
balance his love of skiing with his interest in law enforcement. During 
the past year, Mr. Watson worked as Silverthorne's community service 
officer, which familiarized him with the procedures and structure of 
the local police department. Having recently completed the police 
academy, he will begin training as a probationary police officer.
  Sergeant John Minor and Mark Watson provide us with the type of 
diversity that would benefit any organization. Their dedication to law 
enforcement and their unique backgrounds provide us with a great 
learning opportunity. I appreciate their commitment and value their 
participation in such an important institution and they deserve to be 
honored for committing to protect and serve their second home.

                          ____________________