[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12192]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



           VASSAR POLICE CHIEF JOHN HORWATH: A BADGE OF HONOR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2001

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Vassar Police Chief 
John Horwath as he prepares to close the book on a long and venerable 
career serving and protecting the citizens of Vassar, Michigan. John's 
faithfulness and dedication in his work has made him an invaluable part 
of law enforcement in his community and throughout the state during his 
36 years on the job, the past 32 years of which he served as Police 
Chief.
  As Chief, John has made great strides in making and keeping Vassar a 
safe and enviable place to call home. Just last February, John put 
himself at great personal risk when he chased and apprehended a bank 
robbery suspect who had fled by car and later took off on foot. John's 
valor, talent and dedication to duty have been a hallmark of his 
tenure. He has helped establish the Vassar Police Department as a top-
shelf agency that others should seek to emulate. Moreover, the impact 
of his hard work and adherence to excellence have undoubtedly made a 
profound difference in the lives of countless people throughout his 
career.
  John, however, has never been content to limit his contributions to 
the workplace. He has been an avid and frequent community activist who 
has touched the lives of friends, neighbors and strangers for many 
years. During the Persian Gulf War, John made it his mission to garner 
homefront support and display patriotism for our overseas troops. He 
also has often gone the extra mile in helping coordinate safety 
measures for scores of events in the Vassar area. In addition, John was 
one of the first to respond to the needs of his neighbors during the 
1986 flood that devastated the community and he earned a special 
commendation for providing relief and support to the victims.
  Those employed in law enforcement fully understand the important role 
family plays in supporting such work. John's wife, Katherine, and four 
children, RaeAnn, Michael, Matt, and John Thomas, have willingly and 
generously shared John with the community and everyone is the better 
for it.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I wish to praise John Horwath's work ethic and 
steadfast dedication. He has been an outstanding asset to the Vassar 
Police Department and the entire community. His presence will be sorely 
missed. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating John for his 
36 years of service and in wishing him the best in his retirement.

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