Congratulating Lancaster City Police Chief Richard Mendez on His Retirement

Floor Speech

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Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize and congratulate Chief Richard Mendez on his retirement as Chief of the Lancaster City Bureau of Police Chief, and I thank him for his 25 years of dedicated service to the Lancaster community.

A native of the City of Lancaster and a graduate of McCaskey High School, Chief Mendez joined his hometown police department in 2000. Over the course of his distinguished career, he served as a patrol officer, K-9 officer, member of the Selective Enforcement Unit, member of the Lancaster County Special Emergency Response Team, and platoon leader. Demonstrating an unparalleled work ethic, he rose through the ranks, and in 2021, was appointed Captain of Patrol, the largest division of the Lancaster City Bureau of Police.

In July 2022, Chief Mendez was sworn in as Chief of Police, becoming the first Hispanic police chief in the bureau's history. During his tenure, the bureau achieved accreditation from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association and implemented significant improvements to its recruitment process. Chief Mendez helped to advance community-focused initiatives such as the Police Social Worker Program, the Office of Community Engagement, and expanded bike patrols, all of which strengthened trust and collaboration between law enforcement and residents.

Chief Mendez has devoted the past 25 years to keeping Lancaster safe. I am extremely grateful for the positive impact he has had on the community. I wish him the best in his well-earned retirement.

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