In Honor of Daniel R. Monez, Napa County, California

IN HONOR OF DANIEL R. MONEZ, NAPA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 09, 2004)

SPEECH OF HON. MIKE THOMPSON
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2004

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Daniel R. Monez, who is retiring as Chief of Police of the City of Napa, in California's 1st District. Chief Monez's outstanding contributions and dedication to our community are truly appreciated.

Dan began his career in law enforcement as a part time Police Trainee for the Berkeley Police Department. He fell in love with the profession and in 1971 he was sworn in as a Berkeley Police Officer. He then went on to work in the Solano County Sheriff's Department. In 1987 Dan was hired as Chief of Police for the City of Napa.

During his time as Chief of Police the Department underwent many changes. In 1987 there were only a few computers at the station, now every office has a computer and dispatch is completely automated. Squad cars have been improved and today every patrol car is equipped with mobile data computers. During his tenure the department began the
G.R.E.A.T. program, D.A.R.E. program as well as the School Resources Officer program.

Dan has made many contributions to the community outside his official duties in the police department. He was a member of the Greater Napa Kiwanis Club, the Napa County Hispanic Network and was a founding member of the Napa County Safe Schools Foundation and the "If Given A Chance" scholarship program. He is also a Board Member for Aldea Children's Services and the Family Support Network. The Board of Supervisors appointed him to the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee and the Family Violence Prevention Committee.

Dan and his wife Diana have two children, Robert and Mindy. In 2002 Dan and Diane were named the Napa County Volunteers of the Year. Dan has taught criminal justice courses at surrounding colleges and is currently an adjunct faculty member at Napa Valley College. Dan is passionate about acting and has appeared in 11 stage plays.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, Daniel R. Monez set the standard of dependability, bravery and hard work that should be followed in all communities. His commitment to our community has been shown time and time again. For these reasons and countless others, it is most appropriate that we honor him at the time of his retirement and extend our best wishes to him.

END