Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Golden's Chief of Police Bill Kilpatrick for his incredible, 42 year- long career in law enforcement and to congratulate him on his upcoming retirement.

Chief Kilpatrick began his career with 10 years on the police force in Englewood, Colorado, during which he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Denver. His commitment to public safety led him to the Golden Police Department in 1989, where he became chief in 2002.

During his tenure, he guided the force through an unprecedented period of growth and achievement, raising the bar for what it means to be a public servant. Among his many accomplishments, he established Crisis Intervention Training programs in Jefferson County, helped found Colorado Crisis Services--the largest emergency mental health service hotline in the state, and was honored with the Colorado Association of Police Chiefs President's Award in 2011 in recognition of his tireless dedication to his community.

Chief Kilpatrick will be dearly missed on the force, and I wish him the best in his retirement. I thank him for his service and commitment to our community and our state.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Chris Coalman-Angelo (Angelo) for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Angelo is a student at Arvada High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Angelo is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Angelo for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Damion Richie for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Damion Richie is a student at Arvada High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Damion Richie is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Damion Richie for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Amor Fernandez for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Amor Fernandez is a student at Arvada High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Amor Fernandez is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Amor Fernandez for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Elijah Eison for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Elijah Eison is a student at Arvada High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Elijah Eison is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Elijah Eison for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Destiny Beaumont for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Destiny Beaumont is a student at Arvada High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Destiny Beaumont is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Destiny Beaumont for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Aide Sabinas for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Aide Sabinas is a student at Arvada High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Aide Sabinas is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Aide Sabinas for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Rodrigo Herrera for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Rodrigo Herrera is a student at Arvada High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Rodrigo Herrera is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Rodrigo Herrera for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Madylin Dickey for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Madylin Dickey is a student at Arvada High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Madylin Dickey is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Madylin Dickey for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Lorenzo Baldizan-Moralez for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Lorenzo Baldizan-Moralez is a student at Arvada High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Lorenzo Baldizan-Moralez is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Lorenzo Baldizan-Moralez for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Lacy Smith for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Lacy Smith is a student at Arvada High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Lacy Smith is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Lacy Smith for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Emilia Lingad for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Emilia Lingad is a student at Arvada High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Emilia Lingad is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Emilia Lingad for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado for receiving the 2021 Arvada Chamber of Commerce's Non-Profit of the Year Award.

The Arvada Chamber of Commerce's Non-Profit of the Year is recognized for their support of Arvada and its citizens through impactful programs, services and overall involvement within the community. Nominees are also evaluated on local partnerships and collaboration.

Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado supports Arvada by making the benefits of animal-assisted therapy available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. It is one of the first counseling centers in the country to specifically integrate teams of professional therapists and their therapy animals to facilitate the therapy process. The program specifically aims to serve economically, physically, and/or mentally disadvantaged individuals and families. AATCP also provides many opportunities for members of the surrounding community to become involved as volunteers, taking care of the animals, the property, and the onsite organic garden that produces much of the fresh produce consumed by the therapy animals.

Congratulations to Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado for this honor and I thank them for their contribution to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) for receiving the 2021 Arvada Chamber of Commerce's Behind the Scenes Award.

The Chamber's Behind the Scenes Award is given to an organization or individual who is an unsung hero in our community and is truly focused on ensuring the Arvada community and businesses are thriving.

The Arvada Economic Development Association team has exhibited leadership and collaboration through their willingness to partner and support the Arvada Chamber of Commerce and the local businesses they serve. The staff and board members of AEDA offered their time and talent to ensure the appropriate resources were allocated throughout Arvada in order to have an optimal impact on the business community as a whole. Through this investment, they have supported the economic recovery of the local business community during the COVID-19 pandemic, critical shifts to the local workforce system, and helped advance business education programs. These are a few of the countless examples of how AEDA has shown their commitment to their partners, local businesses and our community all while continuing to make Arvada one of the best places to do business.

Congratulations to Arvada Economic Development Association for this honor, and I thank them for their contribution to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Barber- Nichols for receiving the 2021 Arvada Chamber of Commerce's Business of the Year Award.

The Arvada Chamber of Commerce's Business of the Year Award recognizes a business that has established a reputation for providing a superior level of customer service while using ingenuity and innovation to overcome challenges. Not only does Barber-Nichols excel as a company but it also continues to support the community by participating in local activities and partnering with local non-profit organizations.

Barber-Nichols is accelerating the delivery of innovative turbomachinery systems through collaborative customer relationships merged with integrated engineering and manufacturing to explore the universe and ensure sustainable energy. Barber-Nichols experienced 10 percent+ year-over-year revenue growth from $30 million in 2017 to $60 million in 2021, supporting local Colorado jobs by growing from 100 to 160+ employees. In addition, Barber-Nichols remains committed to developing a next-generation skilled manufacturing workforce in Colorado by sponsoring young talent directly out of trade schools. Barber-Nichols employees also show their commitment to the community they call home by volunteering with a variety of local organizations such as Adopt-A-Street City of Arvada, Community Table Arvada Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Jefferson County Schools Art Program, Children's Hospital, Foothills Animal Shelter, and others.

Congratulations to Barber-Nichols for this honor and I thank them for their contribution to our community.