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[Page S2293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO JOHN BARTHELMES
Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, today I would like to recognize Mr.
John Barthelmes of Hopkinton, NH, and celebrate his well-deserved
retirement after years of service to New Hampshire and America.
In 1976, John began his career in public service as a State trooper
in New Hampshire's North Country, where he fell in love with his
wonderful wife, Jadean. He then rose through the ranks to become
colonel of New Hampshire State Police, a position he held from 1996 to
1999. After retiring from the State police, John served as the director
of the New England High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area agency, until
2007 when Governor Lynch appointed him to serve as commissioner of the
department of safety. I am proud and honored that, as Governor, I had
the opportunity to reappoint this exceptional public servant to lead
our department of safety.
As commissioner, John has focused on maintaining New Hampshire's
status as one of the safest States in the Nation and on improving
services for our citizens. Under his leadership, the department has
effectively managed severe weather events and other emergencies. He
also oversaw the merger of the State police and highway patrol and the
overhaul of the State police officer recruitment process.
Additionally, under John's leadership, the department has
dramatically reduced wait times at the Division of Motor Vehicles,
given citizens the option to renew their drivers' licenses online, and
undertaken a number of other improvements.
Underscoring his commitment to helping the people of New Hampshire,
John is an outspoken advocate for treatment options for behavioral
health and has served on the board of Riverbend Community Mental
Health. John also serves on the New Hampshire Advisory Council on
Emergency Preparedness and Security and the Governor's Commission on
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery.
But as impressive as John Barthelmes' service, effectiveness, and
achievements are, it is his insight, even-keeled demeanor, and
extraordinary kindness that distinguishes him the most. A man of
impeccable character and deep understanding of the human condition,
John Barthelmes broadened the outlook of everyone he worked with and
gave hope to all he served.
Ensuring the safety of our people and communities is the most
important role of government. Doing it with the skill, professionalism,
and wisdom that John Barthelmes exhibited throughout his career is
extraordinary.
I thank John for his dedication to keeping our people and communities
safe, and I thank John's family for their willingness to share him with
the people of New Hampshire.
I hope you will join me in honoring a dedicated Granite Stater, John
Barthelmes.
____________________
