[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8144]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT PAUL VANCE ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 19, 2017

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with respect and admiration that I 
rise today to join all of those gathered in extending my sincere thanks 
and appreciation to Lieutenant Paul Vance as he celebrates his 
retirement after forty-three years of dedicated service to the 
Connecticut State Police force. His retirement marks the end of a 
distinguished career in law enforcement and the Connecticut State 
Police will simply not be the same without him.
  Lieutenant Vance entered the Connecticut State Police Training 
Academy as a member of the 85th Training Troop in July of 1974. 
Following his graduation later that year, he embarked on a career that 
earned him a respected reputation amongst colleagues and civilians 
alike. Serving in a variety of posts, including Troop L in Litchfield 
and as a Resident State Trooper in Prospect, Lieutenant Vance rose 
through the ranks and is perhaps best known for his leadership as a 
member of the Connecticut State Police force's Public Information 
Office.
  In a position he held for nearly one third of his career, Lieutenant 
Vance became, for many in Connecticut, the public face of our State 
Police. As a Public Information Officer, it was he who so often brought 
a sense of calm and order to very difficult circumstances. That 
composure was put to the ultimate test as he guided a grieving state 
and stunned nation through the aftermath of tragedy at the Sandy Hook 
Elementary School in December of 2012.
  I hold a deep respect for the men and women who dedicate their 
professional careers to law enforcement--facing situations and 
circumstances that few of us can even imagine. Lieutenant Vance is a 
reflection of the very best of our law enforcement community. Over the 
course of his career, his commitment and leadership has made all the 
difference and we owe him a debt of gratitude that can never fully be 
paid. Lieutenant--though it does not seem enough, thank you for all of 
your good work on our behalf. You leave a legacy of service that will 
most certainly serve as an inspiration to others for years to come.
  Lieutenant Paul Vance has led a remarkable career, leaving an 
indelible mark on the Connecticut State Police force as well as the 
State of Connecticut. Today, it is my great privilege to stand and join 
his wife, Meg, their three children and six grandchildren, as well as 
family, friends, and colleagues in wishing him the very best for many 
more years of health and happiness in this next chapter of his life.

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