February 3, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 22 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Page S807]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                         TRIBUTE TO JASON OLSON

 Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, after 32 years of serving his 
community in the Minot Police Department, including 8 of those years 
leading it, Chief of Police Jason Olson began a well-deserved 
retirement on January 31.
  He became a police officer in 1988 at the age of 21, as he was 
completing his criminal justice degree at Minot State University. 
Starting as a patrol officer, he went on to spend 18 years on the SWAT 
team.
  Officer Olson became chief of police at a time of significant change 
for the city of Minot and western North Dakota. The challenges this 
growth and development brought to the fourth largest city in North 
Dakota demanded a leader who would advocate for his staff and be open 
to change. The city had the right person in Chief Olson.
  Serving on the frontlines during some of the greatest challenges to 
the city of Minot, Chief Olson was there for the tragic train 
derailment that spread anhydrous ammonia across the city in 2002 and 
for the historic flooding of the Souris River in 2011. Through the best 
and very worst of times, Chief Olson exhibited his trademark calm and 
collected demeanor.
  Chief Olson credits his success to the experience he gained as a 
young officer from the veteran officers who had served for decades. 
Likewise, many of the 80-plus employees today praise him for the 
lessons he taught them as the head of the department. This includes the 
new Police Chief John Klug, a 25-year officer who took over on February 
1, after being chosen in a national search. He speaks highly of Chief 
Olson and the example he set as a mentor and leader.
  We cannot thank our law enforcement officers enough for their 
sacrifices keeping our communities safe and for the bravery they 
exhibit every day on the job. I join the residents of Minot and all 
North Dakotans thanking Chief Olson for his many years of dedicated 
professional service. I wish him a well-deserved and rewarding 
retirement.

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