[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 147 (Tuesday, November 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    TRIBUTE TO CHARLES FENTON GRIGSBY

                                 ______


                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 1994

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to one of Tennessee's 
most prominent citizens, Charles Fenton Grigsby, who had a long and 
productive career in law enforcement and in his community until he died 
on October 19.
  Mr. Grigsby, who was born in Bethesda, TN in 1910, began his career 
in education as a high school teacher, coach, and principal. He served 
his country in World War II as a lieutenant in the Navy, earning a 
Purple Heart in the Pacific. He obtained his law degree at Georgetown 
University while working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 
Washington, DC, and returned home to Tennessee for an illustrious FBI 
career that included investigative work on the trial of teamsters boss 
Jimmy Hoffa.
  One of Charles Grigsby's most noteworthy contributions came with the 
creation of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy. As an FBI 
police instructor traveling throughout the State, he had identified the 
need for professional standards and training for police and other law-
enforcement officers. Thanks to his tireless efforts, the Academy 
finally opened its doors on October 17, 1966. He served as assistant 
director from 1966 to 1968, then as director from 1968 to 1976, 
ensuring sustained and growing support during the Academy's crucial 
early years.
  Now nearly 30 years old, The Tennessee Law Enforcement Training 
Academy has trained several thousand officers in the highest standards 
of professionalism and integrity. On the occasion of Mr. Grigsby's 
retirement in 1976, the Nashville Banner quoted him as saying:

       Training in all facets of law enforcement doesn't mean a 
     thing unless the officer has integrity. He can do anything 
     with that, as long as he has pride in this work.

  Carrying on that tradition of integrity, Mr. Grigsby went on to be 
assistant counsel and investigator for the Tennessee Supreme Court's 
Board of Professional Responsibility. For the last 15 years of his life 
he practiced law in Franklin, TN, while serving as the mainstay of 
numerous law enforcement, veterans and other organizations. He was 
actively involved in alumni affairs at his alma mater, Middle Tennessee 
State University, and was selected as an outstanding alumnus in 1970.
  Charles Fenton Grigsby will be remembered fondly by many individuals 
and groups for his integrity, for his patriotism, and for the vigor and 
good humor that characterized him until the day of his death. Please 
join me in paying tribute to the life of this notable Tennessean and 
proud American, and in extending condolences to Mr. Grigsby's family 
and friends.

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