Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-15

CONGRATULATING PEORIA POLICE CHIEF ERIC ECHEVARRIA ON HIS RETIREMENT

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On 2026-05-15, Representative Darin LaHood (R-IL-16) delivered a floor speech titled "CONGRATULATING PEORIA POLICE CHIEF ERIC ECHEVARRIA ON HIS RETIREMENT" in the House.

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CONGRATULATING PEORIA POLICE CHIEF ERIC ECHEVARRIA ON HIS RETIREMENT

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 83 (Friday, May 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 83 (Friday, May 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E455-E456] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONGRATULATING PEORIA POLICE CHIEF ERIC ECHEVARRIA ON HIS RETIREMENT _____ HON. DARIN LaHOOD of illinois in the house of representatives Friday, May 15, 2026 Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize and honor Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria on his retirement and thank him for his decades of dedicated service to the people of Illinois and our Nation. Chief Echevarria has served as Chief of the Peoria Police Department for the past five years, leading the department with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to strengthening public safety throughout the Peoria community. Prior to his service in Peoria, Chief Echevarria dedicated twenty-two years to the Elgin Police Department, where he rose through the ranks and built a reputation as a respected law enforcement leader devoted to protecting and serving others. Before beginning his law enforcement career, Chief Echevarria proudly served four years in the United States Marine Corps. His military service instilled in him the values of discipline, leadership, and sacrifice that continued to define his career in public service. Throughout his tenure as Chief, Eric embraced innovative approaches to modern policing and worked to build stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community. Under his leadership, the department adopted new technologies to address crime more effectively, incorporated social workers into co- responder units to better assist individuals in crisis, and prioritized meaningful engagement with residents across Peoria. His efforts contributed to a significant reduction in violent crime and helped strengthen trust between officers and the community they serve. Chief Echevarria's leadership has left a lasting impact on the City of Peoria and set an example for departments across Illinois. He [[Page E456]] has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public safety while recognizing the importance of compassion, accountability, and community partnership in effective policing. I want to extend my sincere congratulations and gratitude to Chief Eric Echevarria for his distinguished career and service to our country and communities. I wish Eric, his family, and loved ones all the best as he begins this next chapter in retirement.

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CONGRATULATING PEORIA POLICE CHIEF ERIC ECHEVARRIA ON HIS RETIREMENT Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 83 (Friday, May 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 83 (Friday, May 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E455-E456] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONGRATULATING PEORIA POLICE CHIEF ERIC ECHEVARRIA ON HIS RETIREMENT _____ HON. DARIN LaHOOD of illinois in the house of representatives Friday, May 15, 2026 Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize and honor Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria on his retirement and thank him for his decades of dedicated service to the people of Illinois and our Nation. Chief Echevarria has served as Chief of the Peoria Police Department for the past five years, leading the department with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to strengthening public safety throughout the Peoria community. Prior to his service in Peoria, Chief Echevarria dedicated twenty-two years to the Elgin Police Department, where he rose through the ranks and built a reputation as a respected law enforcement leader devoted to protecting and serving others. Before beginning his law enforcement career, Chief Echevarria proudly served four years in the United States Marine Corps. His military service instilled in him the values of discipline, leadership, and sacrifice that continued to define his career in public service. Throughout his tenure as Chief, Eric embraced innovative approaches to modern policing and worked to build stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community. Under his leadership, the department adopted new technologies to address crime more effectively, incorporated social workers into co- responder units to better assist individuals in crisis, and prioritized meaningful engagement with residents across Peoria. His efforts contributed to a significant reduction in violent crime and helped strengthen trust between officers and the community they serve. Chief Echevarria's leadership has left a lasting impact on the City of Peoria and set an example for departments across Illinois. He [[Page E456]] has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public safety while recognizing the importance of compassion, accountability, and community partnership in effective policing. I want to extend my sincere congratulations and gratitude to Chief Eric Echevarria for his distinguished career and service to our country and communities. I wish Eric, his family, and loved ones all the best as he begins this next chapter in retirement.