[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2168]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        SHERIFF GARY T. CARLSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 29, 2003

  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Merced County Sheriff 
Gary T. Carlson. Sheriff Carlson was born in Iowa and raised in 
Illinois and graduated from Cathedral High School in Chicago, Illinois.
  At the age of 18, Gary joined the United States Air Force and after 
basic training was stationed at Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, 
California. After over two years at Castle, he received orders to 
Vietnam. Gary returned to the U.S. in April 1970 and was honorably 
discharged at the rank of Sergeant at McCord Air Force Base in Seattle, 
Washington.
  Gary again returned to Merced, California and attended Merced College 
studying in the area of Sociology. He applied for and was hired as a 
Merced County Deputy Sheriff in October 1971. His first assignment was 
working in the Jail Division. Sixteen months later, he was assigned to 
the midnight shift Patrol Division, then to the Detective Division. 
Gary was promoted to Sheriff Sergeant in 1978. Since then, he has 
worked in Corrections, Narcotics and Detectives, along with 
Administrative Services. Gary was then promoted to Commander in May 
1991.
  In addition to his work at the Department, Gary has taught 
Administration of Justice classes at Merced College and possesses a 
lifetime teaching credential for California Community College in the 
Law Enforcement Field. He has a Bachelor's Degree from Chapman 
University in Administration of Justice and graduated with honors.
  Gary was appointed to the Office of Sheriff-Coroner of Merced County 
by the Merced County Board of Supervisors and took office on May 5, 
2001. He has three children, Juliette, Matthew and Christian. He is 
married to his wife, Linn.
  It is my honor and privilege to recognize Sheriff Gary Carlson for 
his service to the Merced community and to our nation. Throughout his 
career, he has distinguished himself as a leader and mentor. It is my 
honor to call Sheriff Carlson my friend. I am delighted to recognize 
his service and his retirement as I wish he and Linn all the best in 
their future.

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