[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4382]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                        HONORING LAW ENFORCEMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VERN BUCHANAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 2016

  Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to law 
enforcement men and women who have provided distinctive service to the 
people of Florida's 16th Congressional District.
  Law enforcement is a demanding profession that requires sacrifice, 
courage and a dedication to serve others. Every day, brave men and 
women put themselves in harm's way to enforce the laws of our society 
and protect public safety. They deserve our gratitude and respect.
  Five years ago, I established the 16th District Congressional Law 
Enforcement Awards, CLEA, to give special recognition to law 
enforcement officers, departments, or units for exceptional 
achievement.
  This year, I will present congressional law enforcement awards to the 
following winners chosen by an independent panel comprised of current 
and retired law enforcement personnel representing a cross-section of 
the district's law enforcement community.
  Deputy Billie Wilson of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and 
Officer Kenneth Simunovic of the Bradenton Police Department will 
receive the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award.
  Officer Tim Matthews of the Palmetto Police Department, Officer 
Michael Walker of the Holmes Beach Police Department, Sergeant Demetri 
Konstantopoulos of the Sarasota Police Department, Sergeant Donald 
Kennard of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and Detective Jason 
Friday will receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award.
  Lieutenant Johnny Yong of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, 
Sergeant Matt Kintigh of the North Port Police Department and Trooper 
Barbara Ehrhart of the Florida Highway Patrol will receive the Career 
Service Award.
  The following Members of the Sarasota Police Department's Homeless 
Outreach Team: Captain Kevin Stiff, Lieutenant Lori Jaress, Sergeant 
Michael ``Richie'' Schwieterman, Officers David Dubendorf, Matthew 
Kimball, Matthew Grochowski, Jonathan Misiewicz along with Case 
Managers Sherree Brown, Calvin Collins and Joseph Polzak will receive 
the Unit Citation Award.
  Officer John Parisi of the North Port Police Department will receive 
the Preservation of Life Award.
  Leaders of the Harvest House in Sarasota; Pastor Jim Minor and 
Executive Director Erin Minor will receive the Associate Service Award.

                          ____________________