On Occasion of the Retirement of Dwight (Spike) Helmick
ON OCCASION OF THE RETIREMENT OF DWIGHT (SPIKE) HELMICK -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 08, 2004)
SPEECH OF HON. MIKE THOMPSON OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2004
Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of the retirement of Mr. D.O. 'Spike' Helmick Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Mr. Helmick has served the state of California in the California Highway Patrol for 35 years. Mr. Helmick has served as commissioner for the last 9 years and was appointed as the State's first director of Homeland Security.
Born in Texas in 1945 and raised in California, Commissioner Helmick graduated from Oroville High School. He is a graduate of the FBI's National Executive Institute and has completed graduate work in public administration through Golden Gate University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Administration of Justice from Golden Gate University and received Associate of Arts degrees in Police Science and Business Administration from Yuba and Glendale Colleges. Mr. Helmick, who left his job in a clothing store in his Northern California hometown of Oroville to join the California Highway Patrol, graduated from the training academy in 1969. His first assignments were patrol duty in Glendale and other parts of Los Angeles County.
Commissioner Helmick has held every rank from Cadet to Deputy Commissioner. Prior to appointment as Commissioner in 1995, he served as Deputy Commissioner for six years. Before that he served as Chief of the CHP's Coastal Division, which encompasses ten area offices and two inspection facilities from Santa Cruz to Ventura. Prior to being appointed Chief of the Division he served as Assistant Chief of Coastal Division from December 1986 through February 1989. From 1975 through 1986, Commissioner Helmick was assigned to the Office of Special Representative to the Legislature and commanded that office beginning in 1981. He also served in the South Los Angeles and Glendale Areas. On November 1, 1995, 'Spike' Helmick was appointed Commissioner of the CHP, commanding 6,730 uniformed and 3,200 nonuniformed personnel, located in 8 field divisions, 99 area commands, 16 commercial vehicle inspection facilities, 6 communications centers, and headquarters staff and executive offices. Mr. Helmick's duties ranged from heading up the state's homeland security programs in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, to assisting in riot control and aiding local departments in the fight against street gangs.
As Commissioner, Mr. Helmick initiated the concept of High Performance Policing within the CHP. Under his guidance, each CHP commander assesses the needs and expectations of the community served by their command. Delivery of service is tailored to satisfy both community and statewide needs.
Commissioner Helmick has continually emphasized the importance that the CHP workforce be representative of the state's diverse population so that the best services will be provided to all Californians. To this end, recruitment, hiring and promotion of women and ethnic minorities have been established as departmental priorities.
Support for Commissioner Helmick is widely based throughout California. His genuine concern for the needs of our state's citizens is evidenced by such diverse Department programs as Spanish language instruction of CHP employees, inclusion of cultural awareness training modules in recurrent training, and direction of Department resources to address specific crime and public safety issues.
There is no doubt that D.O. 'Spike' Helmick has been an outstanding public servant for the people of California. His distinguished career record speaks for itself. It has been my honor to work with Commissioner Helmick as both a State Senator and now as a Congressman. He is my friend and a friend to everyone in the California Highway Patrol. For these reasons I move that we recognize and honor D.O. 'Spike' Helmick for his outstanding achievements and service to the people of the State of California.
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