Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-12

HONORING PEORIA POLICE CHIEF ERIC ECHEVARRIA

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On 2026-05-12, Representative Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING PEORIA POLICE CHIEF ERIC ECHEVARRIA" in the House.

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HONORING PEORIA POLICE CHIEF ERIC ECHEVARRIA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E432] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING PEORIA POLICE CHIEF ERIC ECHEVARRIA ______ HON. ERIC SORENSEN of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Mr. SORENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria who is retiring from the City of Peoria Police Department. Chief Echevarria is a pillar of the Peoria community and will be truly missed. Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria oversees and directs all activities of the Peoria Police Department, which has almost 250 employees, the majority of them police officers. His work focuses on reducing serious crime, fostering community partnerships, improving traffic safety and promoting employee development. His achievements have been significant--driving violent gun crime down, improving the quality of life in Peoria's neighborhoods, expanding community policing, establishing a social services unit co-responder program, increasing the number of sworn personnel in the department, expanding the department's use of technology, and significantly increasing grant funding. Chief Echevarria's goal when he arrived in Peoria five years ago was simple: to leave the department and community better than he found it. He certainly has done that. It is because of selfless leaders such as Chief Echevarria that I am especially proud to serve the Illinois 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Chief Echevarria on his well-earned retirement and thank him for all of his contributions and service to our community. ____________________

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HONORING PEORIA POLICE CHIEF ERIC ECHEVARRIA Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E432] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING PEORIA POLICE CHIEF ERIC ECHEVARRIA ______ HON. ERIC SORENSEN of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Mr. SORENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria who is retiring from the City of Peoria Police Department. Chief Echevarria is a pillar of the Peoria community and will be truly missed. Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria oversees and directs all activities of the Peoria Police Department, which has almost 250 employees, the majority of them police officers. His work focuses on reducing serious crime, fostering community partnerships, improving traffic safety and promoting employee development. His achievements have been significant--driving violent gun crime down, improving the quality of life in Peoria's neighborhoods, expanding community policing, establishing a social services unit co-responder program, increasing the number of sworn personnel in the department, expanding the department's use of technology, and significantly increasing grant funding. Chief Echevarria's goal when he arrived in Peoria five years ago was simple: to leave the department and community better than he found it. He certainly has done that. It is because of selfless leaders such as Chief Echevarria that I am especially proud to serve the Illinois 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Chief Echevarria on his well-earned retirement and thank him for all of his contributions and service to our community. ____________________