Recognizing Chief Bill Dickinson

Floor Speech

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Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Bill Dickinson for his thirty-two years of dedicated service to Kern County and to congratulate him on his well-earned retirement from the Kern County Probation Department.

Throughout his career, Chief Dickinson has made a lasting impact on communities across the Central Valley by strengthening public safety, promoting accountability, and supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of youth convicted of crimes. Chief Dickinson began his career with the Kern County Probation Department in 1994 as an Extra- Help Group Counselor at the Youth Detention Center before quickly advancing to a full-time Group Counselor. After earning his bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Communications from California State University, Bakersfield, he steadily rose through the department's ranks, serving as a Deputy Probation Officer, Probation Supervisor, Assistant Probation Division Director, and Probation Division Director of the Youth Detention Center. Just five years later, he was promoted again to Deputy Chief and then appointed by the Superior Court as Chief Probation Officer in August of 2023.

As Chief Probation Officer, he strengthened both public safety and youth rehabilitation by expanding evidence-based programming within juvenile detention facilities. He also led the department's implementation of Senate Bill 823, improving security measures for youth who committed serious and violent offenses. Throughout his tenure, he secured millions of dollars in funding for vital program support, led major Title 15 revisions, and initiated plans to construct a new 15,000-square-foot Youth Recreation Center. Through strong partnerships with county departments and local organizations, Chief Dickinson also helped institute over $20 million in facility improvements to better support rehabilitation and ensure long-term public safety.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Chief Bill Dickinson on his thirty-two years of steadfast service to the Kern County community and wishing him a happy, well-deserved retirement.

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