February 17, 2020
U.S. House of Representatives Honors Chief Neil Gang as Public Safety Hero of the Year
Chief Neil Gang was honored by the United States House of Representatives on February 15, 2020 as a Public Safety Hero of the Year. Chief Gang humbly accepted the award, which emphasized his leadership and focus on officer wellness, in honor of the 228 officers known to have died by suicide last year, in addition to everyone who is working to help improve outcomes for law enforcement nationwide.
Below is the text for Chief Neil Gang’s citation from Congressman Mike Thompson.
Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Pinole Police Chief Neil Gang, whom I have named a Public Safety Hero of the Year.
After attaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Wayland Baptist University, Chief Gang began his career in law enforcement as a patrol officer in West Windsor, New Jersey before moving on to the Pembroke Pines Police Department in Florida, and then to Surprise, Arizona, where he served as a K9 handler, patrol officer, and eventually as the acting Police Commander, before moving to Pinole, California.
As Chief of the Pinole Police Department, he has worked tirelessly to apply is diverse experience to bringing our community closer together, implementing a variety of public outreach programs such as Coffee with Cops and Pray with the Police, efforts which have greatly contributed to the positive public perception of local law enforcement.
Chief Gang contributes to our community in an invaluable way through his efforts to strengthen the department internally. He led the implementation of the Asher Model, the seven-point approach to a culture of wellness, named after Officer Asher Rosinksy who Chief Gang served with in the Pembroke Pines Police Department. Officer Rosinsky killed himself with his service weapon. This tragic event motivated Chief Gang to focused on officer wellness and improving access to mental health services for police officers. He has traveled across the United States to educate others on this model. His innovative leadership underscores the commitment he brings to the duties of his office.
Madam Speaker, Chief Neil Gang is the kind of public servant that our communities rely on to thrive, and his leadership, integrity, and drive to enact positive change distinguish him. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Chief Gang here today.
MIKE THOMPSON
Member of Congress
