[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6053]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       TRIBUTE TO DENNIS H. BLOME

 Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I would like to take a few moments 
today to honor Dennis H. Blome for his outstanding work as United 
States Marshal for the Northern District of Iowa.
  Before he even set foot in the U.S. Marshal's office, Dennis Blome 
had already distinguished himself with over two decades of dedicated 
law enforcement service. During these years, he took on just about 
every position in the field of law enforcement, and he performed them 
all with diligence, passion and honor.
  Dennis started out as a Deputy in the Linn County Sheriff's Office in 
1971. He then took on the positions of Jail Officer, dispatcher and 
patrolman before becoming First Deputy for Sheriff Walter H. Grant. And 
he later served as Jail Administrator, Sergeant, Lieutenant and head of 
Detectives for the Sheriff's Office.
  In 1984, Dennis was elected as Sheriff, and he took the lead in 
helping build a new jail and provide critically needed training for 
jail personnel throughout Iowa. He was also an enthusiastic member of 
the legislative Committee of the Iowa State Sheriffs' and Deputies' 
Association and of the National Sheriffs' Association.
  Dennis' passion for learning and taking on new challenges led him to 
continue his education at the FBI National Academy, the National 
Institute of Corrections and Mount Mercy College where he got his BA 
degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. He also took advantage of 
special training seminars through the National Sheriffs' Conference and 
the International Chiefs of Police.
  Dennis' extensive job experience and solid education served him well 
when he was appointed as United States Marshal for the Northern 
District of Iowa back in 1994. He focused his boundless energy on a 
number of projects, most notably, that of strengthening security in our 
courthouses. Today, thanks to Dennis, our courthouses in Cedar Rapids 
and Sioux City have interior and exterior camera systems as well as 
recording systems and multiple monitoring systems.
  But even more important than what Dennis accomplished is how he 
accomplished it. Dennis never considered any job to be ``beneath'' him. 
He was always willing to pitch in whether it meant being present in 
court, transporting prisoners or doing anything else necessary to keep 
the agency in good running order. His humility and commitment to his 
work made him a popular leader.
  Dennis Blome embodies all of the highest ideals of public service. 
He's served our state with honor and loyalty for thirty years, and it 
is my pleasure to offer my deepest gratitude for his considerable 
contributions.

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