[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12733]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING SHERIFF STEVE FREITAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 15, 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Sheriff 
Steve Freitas upon the occasion of his retirement from the Sonoma 
County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Freitas has dedicated 32 years to 
serving our community in law enforcement.
  A native of San Jose, California, Sheriff Freitas moved to Sonoma 
County in 1988. He attended DeAnza Community College and graduated from 
San Jose State University with a degree in Administration Justice. He 
and his wife, Michelle have two sons, Michael and Zachary.
  Sheriff Freitas began his career in 1985 with the Santa Clara County 
Sheriff's Office. In 1988, He joined the Novato Police Department. He 
joined the Sonoma County Sheriff's office in 1991 where he worked in 
several different assignments, including Detention, Courts, Patrol, 
Investigations and Administration. The City of Windsor selected him to 
be Chief of Police in 2005.
  The people of Sonoma County elected and reelected Sheriff Freitas in 
2010 and 2014. While serving as Sheriff, he created the Latino Advisory 
Committee to ensure quality communication and closer relationships with 
the Latino Community. He successfully guided the Office through 
necessary budget cuts during the recession. His hard work with Sonoma 
County's new law enforcement oversight agency is admirable. Sheriff 
Freitas will be remembered for leading the Sheriff's office to maintain 
the safety and security of the people of Sonoma County.
  In addition to his service in law enforcement, Sheriff Freitas serves 
on the Boys and Girls Club of Marin and Southern Sonoma County's 
Leadership Council. He is a member of the Verity advisory board, the 
California Parenting Institute executive board and the Sonoma County 
Alliance.
  Sheriff Freitas supports the Future Farmers of America and 4-H 
students at the Sonoma County Fair. He is an active Member of his 
church, a longtime fan of the San Jose Sharks and an avid camper. He is 
a valuable member of our community.
  Mr. Speaker, Sheriff Freitas has led a long and distinguished career 
serving the people of Sonoma County. Therefore, it is fitting and 
proper that we honor him and extend our best wishes for an enjoyable 
retirement.

                          ____________________