November 5, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 176 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Pages S6390-S6391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING THOMAS IVERSON, JR.

 Mrs. SHAHEEN. Madam President, I have come to the floor to pay 
tribute to Thomas Iverson, Jr., a longtime New Hampshire resident and 
law enforcement official who passed away recently at the age of 72. 
Although he was born in Massachusetts and lived briefly in Maine, 
George was in many ways a quintessential Granite Stater. He had big 
personality and a passion for public service that brought him to posts 
across our great State.
  After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam 
war, Tom began his long career in law enforcement with the Manchester 
Police Department. He served in New Hampshire's Queen City for 6 years 
before, at the age of 26, becoming chief of police for the town of 
Bradford, a small community of roughly 1000 residents west of Concord. 
He continued his commitment to protecting communities across New 
Hampshire as lieutenant with the Merrimack Police Department, chief of 
police in Pembroke, and finally serving as chief of the Litchfield 
Police Department. Following a law enforcement career that spanned 
three and a half decades with service in five towns, Tom retired in 
2004.
  Though a full retirement would have been well-deserved, Tom wanted to

[[Page S6391]]

continue dedicating his life to public service. His next move took him 
to Maine, where he was named the director of the Emergency Management 
Agency for Piscataquis County in 2005, acting as a link between 
communities and the State in responding to natural and manmade 
disasters in Maine's least populous county. He returned to the Granite 
State in 2012 and became involved in courthouse security for the New 
Hampshire Judicial Branch's facilities in Manchester.
  Throughout his career, Tom was a strong proponent of what we now know 
as community policing. He knew the value of police officers building 
trust and forging strong ties with the people they serve. When he 
served as chief in Bradford, Pembroke, and Litchfield, Tom was a 
reliable and approachable presence in the community. His commitment to 
this community-based approach did not surprise those who knew him and 
his commitment to helping and enjoying the company of others. At many 
local potlucks, he was known to bring his trademark Norwegian meatballs 
with pasta. Although incredibly giving of his time and wisdom, Tom kept 
this recipe a closely-held secret.
  The Granite State and the many communities he served are grateful for 
his many gifts and acts of selfless service. In the last month, family 
and friends have gathered to share and cherish their many fond memories 
of him. I am with them in spirit as they reflect on the life of this 
good and generous man.

                          ____________________