Commending Lexington Police Chief Mike Roth

COMMENDING LEXINGTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE ROTH -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 22, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. JOE WILSON
OF SOUTH CAROLINA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2004

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend a public servant of 31 years, Chief William M. (Mike) Roth of the Lexington, South Carolina Police Department. Under his leadership, the Lexington Police Department grew from a force of ten to thirty-one officers that currently serve a population of 16,000 citizens. His innovative approaches to criminal justice issues have resulted in the establishment of a full-time traffic unit, an Emergency Service (SWAT) Team, and the institution of Community-Oriented Policing.

Chief Roth was also personally responsible for the establishment of the Department's Investigative Division that includes a Child and Elder Abuse Investigator and a full-time Victims Advocate. Additionally, he was instrumental in the creation of such local school-based programming as School Resource Officers and DARE classes for elementary and middle school students.

Under Chief Roth's leadership, the Department received many awards and recognitions, developed and implemented the "Adopt-a-Cop" development, and contributed to the establishment of the Lexington Keeping Every Youth Safe (KEYS) after-school program.

His hands-on approach to law enforcement management and dedication to the community serves as an example for other police departments to follow.

In conclusion, may God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11th.