March 6, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 40 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E252-E253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING KRISTINE PETERSEN IN HONOR OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 2019

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, in recognition of Women's History 
Month, I rise today to honor Kristine Petersen, whose long-term service 
in law enforcement has had a significant impact on Southern Florida.
  Over thirty years ago, Kristine, a single parent, moved to Hendry 
County and worked as a waitress and secretary. In 1986, she began her 
career in law enforcement as a dispatcher with the Hendry County 
Sheriff's Department. After successfully completing the Southwest 
Florida Criminal Justice Academy, Kristine was appointed as a Sheriff's 
Deputy for Hendry County, making her the second female to do so. 
Through this role, Kristine helped build Hendry County's Drug Abuse 
Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program, an important initiative that 
teaches middle schoolers the danger of substance abuse. During this 
time, she dedicated her evenings to working as an instructor with the 
Criminal Justice Academy for the Lee County School Board. Her passion 
for community service is of the highest caliber, and her selfless 
character is truly demonstrated in her work for public safety.
  In 1998, Kristine began working as a detective for the City of 
Clewiston's Police Department. In 2003, she became the Assistant Police 
Chief where she served in this role until 2012. Her honorable work 
ethic and determination has extended beyond law enforcement. Kristine 
was appointed to Clewiston's City Commission where she won consecutive 
four year terms in 2014 and 2018. She also served as Vice Mayor from 
December of 2014 to December of 2016. Currently, Kristine is employed 
by the Hendry County School Board to serve as Clewiston High School's 
Public Safety Academy Teacher. In addition to this role, Kristine also 
participates in the City of Clewiston's Chamber of Commerce Board.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to know Ms. Petersen and it is a 
privilege to acknowledge the dedicated work she has done for Hendry 
County. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable 
individual.

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