[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 1122]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING THE VERMONT STATE POLICE

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, during the closing days of the 112th 
Congress, and for the duration of the 113th Congress, I had the 
privilege of serving the Senate as the President pro tempore. It of 
course was a great honor, and a humbling one, to serve the Senate and 
to represent Vermont in this position. With this designation, because 
of the matter of presidential succession procedures, I was assigned a 
security detail. I have spoken before about the outstanding work of the 
U.S. Capitol Police, and about how much Marcelle and I appreciate the 
sacrifices they made in the course of their service.
  Today I want to thank the Vermont State Police for their outstanding 
service and steadfast support during my time as President pro tempore. 
With their extensive and comprehensive knowledge of Vermont's unique 
landscape and communities, the Vermont State Police coordinated with 
the U.S. Capitol Police and provided essential guidance, information 
and support. I thank them for their professionalism and dedication.
  I would like to thank in particular Lieutenant Garry Scott who 
commands the Traffic Safety Unit of the Vermont State Police 
Department; Corporal Owen Ballinger, who was an integral part of the 
everyday operations; Sergeant Teresa Randall; Sergeant Mark Perkins; 
Sergeant Trevor Carbo; Trooper Jerry Partin; and Trooper Dustin 
Robinson. These law enforcement officers were able to blend the 
requirement of a full security detail in unobtrusive ways that enabled 
us to go about our daily lives and to perform our responsibilities. 
These dedicated and courteous officers went above and beyond the call 
of duty, and for that Marcelle and I are infinitely grateful.
  I also thank Colonel Thomas L'Esperance and Lieutenant Colonel Matt 
Birmingham for their constant support.

                          ____________________