Recognizing Chief T.R. Merickel

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief T.R. Merickel for his 26 years of dedicated service to the Kern County Probation Department and congratulate him on his well-earned retirement. Chief Merickel became a resident of the Central Valley as a young man when he began attending California State University, Bakersfield in 1992. Not only did he excel academically during his time in school, but he also was a renowned member of the Roadrunner Wrestling team--even being selected for a two time PAC-10 All-Academic team selection. In 1996, he graduated summa cum laude with degrees in history and religious studies. Following graduation, Chief Merickel began his career with the Kern County Probation Department, where he worked as a Group Counselor in Juvenile Hall. He was quickly promoted to Deputy Probation Officer and worked in Juvenile Supervision, Investigations, and Intake. In 2004, Chief Merickel became a Probation Supervisor and oversaw the Adult and Juvenile Divisions. During his time as Supervisor, he became an expert in sentencing and case law and was responsible for the implementation of the Static Risk and Needs Assessment (SRNA) tool for the Adult Division. Seven years later, Chief Merickel was promoted to Division Director of Adult Services. In this role, he was critical in the implementation of Assembly Bill 109, the Public Safety Realignment Act of 2011, in Kern County. As Director, Chief Merickel was a member of the Community Corrections Partnership and worked with local partners on the bill's implementation to focus on safety, alternative sanctions, and reducing recidivism in Kern County. In 2014, the Kern County Superior Court named Chief Merickel as Chief Probation Officer. Chief Merickel has been committed to the Kern County Probation Department's mission of public safety for decades. His dedication to his colleagues, his work, and his community is a true testament to Chief Merickel's character and leadership. I know that his service to the Department and his commitment to the safety of Kern County will have a lasting impact for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in thanking Chief Merickel for his decades of service to the Central Valley and wishing him a happy and well-deserved retirement.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source