[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21617]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO CHIEF ROBERT F. NOLAN ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2005

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to rise today to join 
family, friends, and community members in extending my sincere thanks 
and appreciation to my good friend, Chief Robert F. Nolan, who is 
celebrating his retirement after thirty-four years of dedicated 
service. His retirement marks the end of a distinguished career in law 
enforcement with the Hamden Police Department.
  Recent times have brought a renewed public respect for our Nation's 
law enforcement officials and the very real dangers they face. From the 
tragic events of Columbine to the devastating attacks of September 11th 
to the catastrophic destruction of Hurricane Katrina, the skill, 
dedication and commitment of our law enforcement officials has been 
tested. From these tragedies lessons have been learned and higher 
expectations have been made for those who dedicate their lives to 
protecting our communities. In these times, we have looked to our 
police officers for guidance and reassurance.
  Chief Nolan began his career as a patrol officer with the Hamden 
Police Department in 1971. In his over three decades of service with 
the Department, he served in many positions with the utmost of 
distinction and integrity. Throughout his career, Chief Nolan has 
always dedicated himself to ensuring the protection and safety of the 
Harnden community. Attending countless training exercises, workshops, 
forums, with both local and federal agencies, the Chief always availed 
himself of the most advanced law enforcement training available. His 
unparalleled leadership and dedication to law enforcement earned him 
the appointment of Chief, a rank which he has held for the last seven 
years.
  I have perhaps never been so proud of our law enforcement officials 
than in the days immediately following September 11th. Chief Nolan 
along with twenty-two of his officers went to New York City to assist 
authorities at the police command center. It has been through 
outstanding efforts like these that the Chief has earned the respect 
and esteem of his Department, the citizens of Hamden, and all that have 
had the opportunity to work with him. Every community should be so 
fortunate.
  With all of his work at the Department and in the community, Chief 
Nolan still made time to be of great assistance to myself and my staff. 
He has been an invaluable resource to us all and I want to extend my 
deepest thanks and sincere appreciation for all of his many years of 
support and friendship.
  Chief Robert F. Nolan has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment and 
has left an indelible mark on the Town of Hamden--he will be missed. As 
he celebrates his retirement, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to join his wife, Shirley; daughters, Dawn and Robyn; his three 
grandchildren, family, friends, and colleagues in wishing him the very 
best for many more years of health and happiness.

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