Recognizing Jay Varney's Retirement

Floor Speech

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Mr. GRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jay Varney, Madera County's Chief Administrator, for his service and accomplishments as he retires after four decades of public service.

Mr. Varney earned his Master of Science degree in Criminology from Fresno State and his Bachelor of Science degree in Resource Development from Michigan State University.

He went on to serve with the Dallas Police Department and the Lansing, Michigan, Police Department before becoming Police Chief and then City Administrator for the City of Chowchilla, California.

In 2014, Mr. Varney came to Madera and was elected to serve as the Madera County Sheriff. In 2020, the Madera County Board of Supervisors appointed Mr. Varney as County Administrative Officer, overseeing 25 county departments and a half-billion-dollar budget.

COVID hit almost as soon as he was hired, and Mr. Varney found himself navigating Madera County through one of the most challenging times in recent history. He played a vital role in helping Madera County survive and thrive through COVID. Thanks to his hard work, Madera County played an important part in the reopening of Madera Community Hospital.

Under Mr. Varney's direction and guidance, Madera County has seen significant growth in revenue, housing and business. Capital improvements flourished under his watch with the Madera County Justice Center as well as Fire Station No. 3 and the upgrading of Fire Station No. 11 through a cooperative, grant-funded project with North Fork Mono. He also oversaw Madera County's continuing expansion along Highway 41 with the Riverstone and Tesoro Viejo developments.

Mr. Varney was instrumental in establishing the Sheriff's Foundation, which has raised more than a half-million dollars. The Sheriffs Foundation has secured vital search-and-rescue equipment like the county's Cessna 172 aircraft, giving law enforcement a better view from above, and the Screamer Seats first responders attach to helicopters, which has already saved one stranded hiker's life. The Sheriffs Foundation also helped create and build the county's K9 unit. Every dog on the road in Madera County today has been provided by funding from the Sheriffs Foundation.

Please join me in honoring Jay Varney for his dedication, commitment and public service for more than 42 years to the people of Madera County.

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