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“TRIBUTE TO JOHN FRIERSON” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E109-E110 on Jan. 17, 1995.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO JOHN FRIERSON
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HON. JULIAN C. DIXON
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, January 17, 1995
Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. John Frierson, who is retiring this month after a dedicated career of 26 years to the citizens of Los Angeles. On Friday, January 20, 1995, in Los Angeles, John's many friends and colleagues will gather at a retirement dinner in his honor at the Continental Plaza Hotel. In recognition of his service to the community, I am pleased to highlight just a few of his career and community service accomplishments for my colleagues.
Born in Harlem in New York City, John graduated from George Washington High School, and studied history at the City College of New York. He moved to Los Angeles in 1957, and has completed courses in law enforcement and history at the University of California, Los Angeles.
During his career in the U.S. Navy, John served aboard the U.S.S. Little Rock. In 1948, he was assigned as a personal 1st Class Steward to Adm. Richard Glassford, commander of the 3d Atlantic Fleet. A highlight of his assignment was a trip to Odessa, Russia--location of the 1947 summit meeting of President Harry S. Truman, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Premier Joseph Stalin.
Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, John embarked on a career in public service that would span nearly three decades. His career in law enforcement includes service as a deputy sheriff for the County of Los Angeles, and as the sergeant in charge of West Los Angeles traffic for the Los Angeles Police Department and the Department of Transportation.
For the past several years, John has served as the senior deputy to 10th district city councilman Nate Holden.
In addition to his public service, John has been actively involved in community affairs. He is a member of the Urban League, NAACP, Service Employees International Union, Local 347, and the Committee to Support Dial 911. He serves on the board of the Oscar Joel Bryant Police Association, and is a charter member of the Harlem Negro Theater. He also served as a member of Los Angeles city attorney James Hahn's Small Business Advisory Committee.
John's commitment to public service and his community is exceeded only by his commitment and enthusiasm for political activism. He is a past president of the New Frontier Democratic Club; former regional director, region 11
[[Page E110]] of the California State Democratic Party; member of the Democratic County Central Committee; and an executive board member of the California Democratic State Party and the Wilshire Community Police Council.
John is the recipient of numerous awards for his many contributions to the citizens of Los Angeles, including community service awards presented by Assemblywoman Gwen Moore, and Councilman Holden, respectively; the Outstanding Community Service Award, presented by the National Black Police Association, region 5; Member of the Year Award from the New Frontier Democratic Club; and Member of the Year in the 49th and 53d Assembly Districts Awards, presented by the Los Angeles County Democratic Committee.
Mr. Speaker, it has been my sincere pleasure to count John and his lovely wife, Susie, as my friends for many years. And it is especially fitting that a dinner is being held in John's honor to commend him on a fine record of service to the community. I am especially pleased to join in that tribute and to have this opportunity to pay tribute to John on this happy occasion. Please join me in extending to John and Susie best wishes for a retirement that is rich with happiness and full of prosperity.
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