[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23659]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING SOUTH PADRE ISLAND CHIEF OF POLICE ROBERT RODRIGUEZ ON HIS 
                               RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 2009

  Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and 
dedication of Police Chief Robert Rodriguez for his service and 
commitment to the Town of South Padre Island, where he worked for 25 
years, and retired from the police force on September 1, 2009.
  Chief Rodriguez has been instrumental in working during the years 
with the many law enforcement agencies in the Rio Grande Valley as each 
of the town's police officers, including him, strove to serve and 
protect South Texans and guests who visit South Padre Island year-
round.
  During the past few years, Chief Rodriguez, along with those that 
call South Texas home, has seen South Padre Island grow. We have seen 
new development come in, new businesses open, and hotels and 
condominiums constructed.
  Through these significant changes, we know South Padre Island 
continues to evolve even after suffering from great loss in revenues 
and services brought about by Hurricane Dolly. South Padre Island 
continues to accommodate, protect, and serve its many residents and 
tourists.
  Chief Rodriguez has been able to adjust his staff and manpower to the 
growing needs of South Padre Island. On any given day, you can spot 
Chief Rodriguez, while on or off duty, visiting with locals and 
residents. He works around the clock.
  In 1984, he began his work for the Town of South Padre Island as a 
dispatcher, and later was promoted to the police force. From then on, 
Chief Rodriguez has climbed the ranks within the South Padre Island 
Police Department and on August 18, 2000, he was sworn in as police 
chief.
  Chief Rodriguez has been instrumental in his work with South Padre 
Island, and although I am sad to see him leave, I know he is ready to 
enjoy his much needed retirement with his family, friends and loved 
ones.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me in commemorating 
the service of Chief Robert Rodriguez, who served the Town of South 
Padre Island, the State of Texas, and the United States of America, in 
his capacity of law enforcement officer for 25 years.

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