[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 4746]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING ALBERT W. BELL

 Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, today I honor Albert Bell, who is 
retiring from the Durango Police Department following a lifelong career 
in law enforcement.
  Since moving to Colorado from Kansas nearly 27 years ago, Al has 
dedicated himself and his talents to protecting the communities of 
southwest Colorado--first as a sergeant and then as Undersheriff for 
the La Plata County Sherriff's Department, and, for the past 14 years, 
as chief of police for the Durango Police Department. He also served 
with me on the Police Officers Standards and Training Board and the 
Anti-Bullying in Schools Task Force during my tenure as attorney 
general of Colorado.
  I am honored and privileged to have worked with Al personally over 
the years, both as attorney general and now as a U.S. Senator. 
Throughout his career and our work together, Al has demonstrated strong 
leadership, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to public safety. 
These attributes have made him one of the most well-regarded law 
enforcement officials in our State.
  Al's contributions to southwest Colorado extend beyond law 
enforcement. He currently serves as president of the Southwest Colorado 
Mental Health Board of Directors, and is a member of both the La Plata 
Health Care Project Steering Committee and the Regional Juvenile Center 
Task Force. Al's involvement in these and other community organizations 
speaks to his generosity, selflessness, and his love for the southwest 
Colorado community.
  In short, southwest Colorado has benefitted tremendously because Al 
Bell chose a path of public service. He has set an example for all 
Americans to live by. While I am sorry to see him go, I know that he 
has very much earned a healthy and happy retirement.
  On behalf of the people of Colorado, I thank Al for his service, and 
wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________