[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 21023]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH R. DEVINE

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to Joseph R. Devine, Chief of Police in Merrimack, NH. Joseph 
has faithfully served our country for the past 28 years, first in the 
United States Army and then as a member of the Police Force.
  Joseph began his career in law enforcement in 1956 with the Johnston, 
Rhode Island Police Department. During his tenure there, Joseph proved 
to be a valuable asset and was rewarded with numerous promotions. Hired 
originally as a Special officer, Joseph was promoted to Full Time 
Officer 2 years later, followed by another 3 promotions, eventually 
leaving him with the rank of Deputy Chief in 1970. His 14 years of 
dutiful service in Johnston prepared him for his future duties, giving 
him valuable experience and on the job training.
  Joseph later served as the Chief of Police for both St. Johnsbury and 
Claremont, New Hampshire before settling in the Town of Merrimack. It 
was there that he has spent the past 21 years making the streets safe 
for children and adults, patrolling our neighborhoods, and faithfully 
serving the residents of Merrimack. He will be sorely missed by those 
who he protected for so many years. Throughout his career, Joseph 
received numerous awards celebrating his distinguished career, from the 
VFW Certificate of Appreciation for Community Service to the Life 
Membership Award from the International Association of Chief of Police 
to the Professionalism in Law Enforcement Award.
  Joseph serves as a positive example to those in law enforcement and 
to all Granite Staters. He has served his country well and made his 
family proud. The Town of Merrimack has benefitted greatly from his 
expertise, and I am confident that in years to come, Joseph will make 
his expertise and knowledge readily available to the Police Department. 
It has been an honor and a privilege representing you in the United 
States Senate. I wish you continued happiness and success in the years 
to come.

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