Floor SpeechUrgent2026-04-09

HONORING SERGEANT LUIS LARA

TaxesEnvironmentCrime & JusticeLaborInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-04-09, Representative Adam Gray (D-CA-13) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING SERGEANT LUIS LARA" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, crime and justice.

Full Text

HONORING SERGEANT LUIS LARA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 63 (Thursday, April 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 63 (Thursday, April 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E305] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING SERGEANT LUIS LARA ______ HON. ADAM GRAY of california in the house of representatives Thursday, April 9, 2026 Mr. GRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my long-time friend Luis Lara, Sergeant for the California Highway Patrol in Atwater, California, for his service and accomplishments as he retires after almost three decades of public service. Sergeant Lara, born and raised in Merced County, received his AA in Administration of Justice from Merced College and his bachelor's degree in criminal justice at CSU Stanislaus in 1997. He first planned to pursue a career with the FBI, but a job fair organized by the California Highway Patrol changed his mind. After successfully going through the CHP Academy, his first post was in the Bay Area's Redwood City. In 2001, Sergeant Lara transferred to the Merced CHP office. He worked for a decade as a field officer and was then promoted to field sergeant in the Los Banos CHP office. Next, he served as a recruitment sergeant out of Fresno and was responsible for hiring applicants in the Central Valley from Bakersfield to Modesto. Finally, he returned back home to be an administrative sergeant. With dedication and professionalism, Sergeant Lara has also shared his talents with the community by being a part of the Cal Fire Incident Management Team for the CHP as well as his appointment to the Merced County Fair Board by Governor Gavin Newsom. He has also served on the Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union Board, the Merced County Department of Public Health Emergency Medical Care Committee, the McSwain School Board, the Merced County Spring Fair Board, and the Merced College Foundation Board. Sergeant Lara was also an adjunct Instructor at Merced College and volunteered as a Merced County/City of Atwater Firefighter. Sergeant Lara's commitment to his community is seen through his character, integrity, judgment, loyalty, courtesy, honor and knowledge--the core values in the California Highway Patrol's seven- point star. It is my privilege to recognize my dear friend Luis who has improved the lives of countless community members through his selfless public service. Please join me in honoring Sergeant Luis Lara for almost 30 years of his dedication, diligence and devotion to the people Merced County. ____________________

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HONORING SERGEANT LUIS LARA Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 63 (Thursday, April 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 63 (Thursday, April 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E305] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING SERGEANT LUIS LARA ______ HON. ADAM GRAY of california in the house of representatives Thursday, April 9, 2026 Mr. GRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my long-time friend Luis Lara, Sergeant for the California Highway Patrol in Atwater, California, for his service and accomplishments as he retires after almost three decades of public service. Sergeant Lara, born and raised in Merced County, received his AA in Administration of Justice from Merced College and his bachelor's degree in criminal justice at CSU Stanislaus in 1997. He first planned to pursue a career with the FBI, but a job fair organized by the California Highway Patrol changed his mind. After successfully going through the CHP Academy, his first post was in the Bay Area's Redwood City. In 2001, Sergeant Lara transferred to the Merced CHP office. He worked for a decade as a field officer and was then promoted to field sergeant in the Los Banos CHP office. Next, he served as a recruitment sergeant out of Fresno and was responsible for hiring applicants in the Central Valley from Bakersfield to Modesto. Finally, he returned back home to be an administrative sergeant. With dedication and professionalism, Sergeant Lara has also shared his talents with the community by being a part of the Cal Fire Incident Management Team for the CHP as well as his appointment to the Merced County Fair Board by Governor Gavin Newsom. He has also served on the Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union Board, the Merced County Department of Public Health Emergency Medical Care Committee, the McSwain School Board, the Merced County Spring Fair Board, and the Merced College Foundation Board. Sergeant Lara was also an adjunct Instructor at Merced College and volunteered as a Merced County/City of Atwater Firefighter. Sergeant Lara's commitment to his community is seen through his character, integrity, judgment, loyalty, courtesy, honor and knowledge--the core values in the California Highway Patrol's seven- point star. It is my privilege to recognize my dear friend Luis who has improved the lives of countless community members through his selfless public service. Please join me in honoring Sergeant Luis Lara for almost 30 years of his dedication, diligence and devotion to the people Merced County. ____________________