[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13186]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DON DILLENBECK

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 1, 2012

  Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
pay special tribute to Hood River County Sheriff's Deputy Don 
Dillenbeck. Deputy Dillenbeck is retiring from the Sheriff's Office on 
July 29, capping more than 37 years of duty, honor and service to the 
citizens and visitors of Hood River County, Oregon.
  Don Dillenbeck was born and raised in my home town of Hood River, 
Oregon where he graduated from Hood River Valley High School in 1972. 
Don began his career in public safety as a Dispatcher and Corrections 
Deputy with the Hood River County Sheriff's Office on January 23, 1975.
  Deputy Dillenbeck was promoted to Road Deputy in 1978, taking on more 
responsibility with his new position. Patrolling the county for the 
next 34 years and serving under three different Sheriffs, Deputy 
Dillenbeck logged over 1 million miles on six different patrol cars. 
His duties included not only the protection of the public, but also the 
training and mentoring of new Deputies. His extensive knowledge of 
procedure, law and tactics has been invaluable to the county over the 
course of his career.
  Mr. Speaker, Deputy Dillenbeck is also somewhat of a celebrity due to 
a dangerous highspeed pursuit that was featured on the television 
program ``World's Wildest Police Chases.'' In 1997, a fleeing suspect 
rammed his patrol car three times. Thankfully, the suspect was 
apprehended and did not seriously injure Deputy Dillenbeck. This 
incident is a prime example of the high level of commitment Deputy 
Dillenbeck holds for public service. When he is called upon to put his 
own life in danger--whether it's apprehending a fleeing felon or 
volunteering as a firefighter with Westside Fire Department--Deputy 
Dillenbeck can be counted on to answer.
  Although he will officially retire from his full-time position, 
Deputy Dillenbeck has requested to remain with the Sheriff's Office in 
a volunteer capacity as a Reserve Deputy so he can continue to serve 
and protect the public in Hood River County. Even in retirement, Deputy 
Don Dillenbeck will continue to answer the call to service.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my fellow colleagues join me in recognizing 
Don Dillenbeck. He has earned the thanks of a grateful nation not only 
for his dedication to service, but for his unwavering commitment to his 
community. Please join me in wishing Deputy Don Dillenbeck a very long 
and happy retirement.

                          ____________________