[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 15671-15672] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN MEMORY OF ROBERT NEFF OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS ______ HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 14, 2010 Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Robert Paul Neff of Grapevine, Texas. Robert passed away September 10, 2010 and leaves behind a strong legacy of public service. Robert served as manager of the Criminal Justice Programs, CJP, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments, NCTCOG, starting in 1999. The CJP facilitates community-planning groups, provides technical assistance to develop successful grant programs and assists local units of government in solutions to common challenges within a 16-county region. Since 2001, he served the Texas Association of Regional Councils Criminal Justice Planners Association as its secretary, chair, and communications liaison to local, regional, State, and Federal agencies. He was also a member of the Advisory Council and Board of Directors of the National Criminal Justice Association and the American Society for Industrial Security, serving as its president of the West Michigan Chapter in 1984. Prior to coming to North Texas, Robert was a law enforcement officer in Kalamazoo, Michigan for almost 22 years, retiring as a detective assigned to auto theft, street gangs, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and militia groups. He received a master of Social Work degree in Correctional Administration from Western Michigan University, where he also was an adjunct professor in the Criminal Justice Program in the Department of Sociology. Robert has been described as ``street savvy'' and applied this knowledge to the criminal justice grant program, helping secure millions of dollars for funding for programs used by local governments and nonprofit organizations. He had the respect of his peers throughout Texas, and was sought by many for his advice. A believer in service to local governments and the criminal justice community, Robert brought critical thinking, innovation and grant funding experience to enhance the level of public safety expertise and protection to North Texans. Robert also invested in his community through the First United Methodist Church of Grapevine, Texas. He was respected by all who met him, and will be greatly missed. Robert was also active in pulmonary fibrosis organization and outreach. Madam Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise today to remember Robert Neff. It is my [[Page 15672]] privilege to have this opportunity to honor his life and legacy. ____________________