[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5598]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



           TRIBUTE TO HERMOSA BEACH POLICE CHIEF VAL STRASSER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 4, 2001

  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, a man with an even bigger heart retired 
March 31 as chief of police for the city of Hermosa Beach.
  Chief Val Strasser served the community tirelessly. Joining the 
Hermosa Beach police force on September 16, 1973, he was promoted 
through the ranks until he was appointed chief in July 1993. During the 
course of his career, he made many friends and I am proud to be counted 
among them.
  Chief Strasser was the epitome of community policing. He is 
remembered for fostering close ties between the department and the 
community. He understood that for law enforcement to be successful, it 
has to enlist all citizens and recruit them to be vigilant.
  Chief Strasser had an open-door policy and encouraged citizens to 
drop in without an appointment to share their concerns, offer advice, 
or just plain complain. He always received them warmly and always tried 
to be responsive. Along the way, he made many, many friends and 
admirers.
  Mr. Speaker, the city of Hermosa Beach is known for its surf, sand, 
and sea. Because of the leadership of Chief Strasser and the dedication 
of his officers and civilian personnel, Hermosa Beach is also a safe 
city where residents and visitors can enjoy its small town quaintness 
as well as its diverse cultural and recreational opportunities.
  Val Strasser will be remembered fondly by residents and this Member 
of Congress. I join in wishing the best to Chief Strasser and his wife, 
Becky, as they look forward to their retirement years together.

                          ____________________