The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING PALM SPRINGS POLICE CHIEF BRIAN REYES
______
HON. RAUL RUIZ
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, September 17, 2021
Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the career of Palm Springs Police Chief Bryan Reyes who has retired after nearly 30 years of service to our community.
A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Chief Reyes began his career in law enforcement as a reserve police officer for the Compton Police Department in 1991. After transferring to the Palm Springs Police Department in 1993, he rose through the ranks--serving as an officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain before ultimately police chief.
Chief Reyes led the Palm Springs Police Department through difficult times. On October 8, 2016, during the first year of his tenure as Chief of Police, Palm Springs police officers Lesley Zerebny and Gilbert Vega were tragically killed in the line of duty. Chief Reyes recognized the devastating impact this would have on the department, community, and the officers' families. He prioritized the mental health needs of those affected and his guidance brought us all closer together in this time of mourning.
I am honored to have collaborated with Chief Reyes in authoring legislation to commemorate the tremendous sacrifice made by officers Zerebny and Vega that day. Named in their honor and inspired by our local police officers at the Palm Springs Police Department, the Heroes Lesley Zerebny and Gilbert Vega First Responders Survivors Support Act would get families of our fallen heroes the support they need to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed in life.
During his more than six years of leadership, Chief Reyes strengthened the department's community policing in neighborhoods, expanded outreach and engagement with residents and businesses through Town Hall meetings, implemented new technology and social media platforms, and fostered trust and credibility through regular meetings with neighborhoods and community organizations. Under his guidance, the Palm Springs Police Department developed important partnerships with the Palm Springs Unified School District, Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Palm Springs, Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs, Mizell Senior Center, Well in the Desert, Desert Regional Medical Center, and many more local organizations. Further, Chief Reyes has received numerous accolades for his incredible leadership, including Life Saving Medals, the Officer of the Year award, and the Community Hero's Award.
Chief Reyes' 28 years of tireless and dedicated work for the Palm Springs community is a testament to his outstanding leadership, character, and commitment to the well-being of Palm Springs residents.
Chief Reyes will be missed, and the changes brought about under his leadership will continue to improve the lives of Palm Springs police officers and the entire Palm Springs community.
On behalf of the great people of California's 36th Congressional District I want to thank Chief Bryan Reyes for all he has done for our community. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 161
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
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