The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING ZACH LEKSE
______
HON. MIKE THOMPSON
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, September 30, 2022
Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Zach Lekse, an Investigations Sergeant with the Martinez Police Department. I have named Mr. Lekse as a Public Safety Hero of the Year for Contra Costa County in California's 5th District as a result of his extraordinary selflessness, dedication, and service to others.
Mr. Lekse began his career in law enforcement shortly after graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 2001. For nearly ten years, he served with the Pleasant Hill Police Department as a detective, defense tactics instructor, and SWAT team member before joining the Martinez Police Department in 2014. There he began as a Police Officer before becoming a Narcotics Task Force Officer, Patrol Sergeant, and most recently, an Investigations Sergeant.
During a suspicious vehicle stop in early 2019, Mr. Lekse discovered a small amount of methamphetamine and learned from the driver that a mid-level dealer was living and operating near the Martinez Police Department. Noting that the dealer was on probation, Mr. Lekse coordinated a search that resulted in the seizure of \1/4\ pound of methamphetamine, a loaded handgun, and $5,000 in cash. Continuing with his investigation, Mr. Lekse connected the dealer to the Guzman family cartel of Mexico and ascertained key information about their operation.
Over the course of several months, Mr. Lekse worked with the FBI to lead a massive multi-agency effort resulting in multiple drug seizures and 12 indictments. In total, numerous firearms, approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine, heroin, illicit mushrooms, $23,000 in cash, and $80,000 of assets were seized. Through his determination, leadership, and investigative prowess, Mr. Lekse successfully coordinated a complex investigation into a drug trafficking organization that largely evaded justice for 7 years.
Madam Speaker, we thank Mr. Lekse for his persistence and investigative skill. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 159(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 159(2)
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up