[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 8689]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 DEPUTY JOHN PAUL SANDLIN: IN MEMORIAM

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I wish to honor and share with my 
colleagues the memory of a remarkable man, Reserve Deputy John Sandlin 
of Solano County, who died Friday, April 23, 2004. Deputy Sandlin spent 
almost 50 years working to protect his fellow citizens, serving a 
distinguished career in the Navy and as a volunteer deputy with the 
Solano County Sheriff's Office. Deputy Sandlin was killed in the line 
of duty when his patrol car spun out of control during a recent 
pursuit.
  John Sandlin was the devoted husband of Dr. Kay Talbot and the proud 
father of three daughters, Lizabeth, Lori and Susan. He was also the 
proud grandfather of seven grandchildren.
  Deputy Sandlin compiled a remarkable record in community policing 
with the Solano County Sheriff's Office, becoming its second most 
highly decorated officer. He spent 20 years as a volunteer reserve 
deputy who patrolled the streets most Friday nights for the past 
decade. Last May, he earned the Sheriff's Office Distinguished Service 
Medal and the Purple Heart. Sheriff Gary Stanton said of Deputy 
Sandlin, ``We lost a brother--a man who has been part of our department 
for 20 years.''
  Before joining the Solano County Sheriff's Office, John served in the 
Navy for 22 years. He became a nuclear power instructor, served in the 
Submarine Service, and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for 
saving another's life. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander 
while on active duty.
  John Sandlin also spent 14 years at Westinghouse Electric Corporation 
as a Senior Mechanical Engineer and Documentation Manager. During his 
career at Westinghouse, he was sworn in as a reserve deputy sheriff 
with the Solano County Sheriff's Air Squadron. He earned the 1990 
Community Service Award for his dedication to law enforcement and drug 
surveillance activities with the Solano County Sheriff's Department.
  After retiring from Westinghouse, he soon entered the patrol field 
training program in the Sheriff's Office and began to work on the 
ground, patrolling the streets to protect his community.
  John Sandlin died doing what he loved to do--providing protection for 
his community. He was a natural leader, a compassionate mentor, and an 
enthusiastic, charming and very well-liked member of the Sheriff's 
Office. We will always be grateful for Deputy Sandlin's heroic service 
defending our Nation and our freedoms, and protecting his 
community.

                          ____________________