[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18148]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             IN HONOR OF VENTURA COUNTY SHERIFF BOB BROOKS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 13, 2006

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my good friend, Bob 
Brooks, Sheriff of Ventura County, California.
  Sheriff Brooks will be honored this Saturday at the Southeast Ventura 
County YMCA Leadership Award Banquet. The theme for the evening is 
``Touching Lives, Creating Peaceful Communities.'' They couldn't have 
picked a better theme with which to honor Bob Brooks. He is a dedicated 
husband and father, professional law enforcement executive, and 
community leader.
  Bob Brooks is a 45-year resident of Ventura County and a 33-year 
veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. He has served as 
the county's elected sheriff since June 27, 1998.
  Under his guidance, Ventura County is routinely rated one of the 
safest counties in the United States, despite the challenges of a 
growing gang presence in some parts of the county and the ever-present 
threat of terrorism. He oversees 1,200 sworn and civilian employees, 
2,000 volunteers, and a budget of $187 million.
  Bob's success comes partly from a supportive community of 800,000 
people, but also from his own dedication to law enforcement.
  Having already earned a bachelor's degree in Public Administration 
and a master's in Organizational Management, Bob is now pursuing a 
master's in Homeland Security from the Naval Post Graduate School. He 
is also a graduate of the National Sheriff's Institute, the National 
Executive Institute, and the P.O.S.T. Command College, where he 
graduated with distinction.
  Because of his knowledge, experience, and success, Bob is in demand 
as a speaker at symposiums and seminars, has taught at colleges and 
universities, and has published articles in law enforcement, Department 
of Defense, and educational publications.
  In his spare time, he serves on the Board of Directors of several 
professional, educational, and charitable organizations, including the 
YMCA, past president of the Ventura County Boy Scouts of America, and 
Executive Board memberships for the California State Sheriffs' 
Association and the Major County Sheriffs' Association.
  Sheriff Brooks is also an honorary Rotarian and attends Sonrise 
Christian Fellowship. Bob and Debbie have been married 36 years and 
have two grown sons. In keeping with Bob's example of serving his 
community, Jeff is employed by the Ventura Police Department and Brian 
by the County of Ventura.
  ``Touching Lives, Creating Peaceful Communities.'' That's Bob Brooks. 
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ventura 
County Sheriff Bob Brooks on this most deserved honor.

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