[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 189 (Wednesday, November 29, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO OKALOOSA COUNTY UNDERSHERIFF JERRY ALFORD

                                 ______


                          HON. JOE SCARBOROUGH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 29, 1995

  Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, the citizens of Okaloosa County and the 
State of Florida will be losing a much beloved and highly respected law 
enforcement officer on December 31, 1995, when Okaloosa County 
Undersheriff Jerry Alford retires after four decades of service as a 
law enforcement officer and public servant. It is a great honor to 
recognize this dedicated police officer for his service in the field of 
criminal justice.
  At a time when our Nation appears to lack confidence in our 
Government, and the men and women who fight to enforce the law of the 
land, it is fitting that today we honor a law enforcement professional 
who always went to extra mile to protect our citizens while striving to 
support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Undersheriff 
Alford has known, better than most, that while trying to protect our 
quality of life, we must respect the God given rights of freedom.
  His overall attitude of public service has been a model in the lives 
of hundreds of law enforcement officers that he has trained, 
supervised, and encouraged. His legacy will remind new officers that 
when at all possible, police officers should go above and beyond the 
call of duty to assist the citizens with any problem when it's legal, 
moral, and ethical to do so.
  During the past 40 years, Mr. Alford has proven himself a real 
patriot in the truest sense of the word. In many occasions, he placed 
his life and limb in jeopardy, in defense of lives and property of 
others. A man who has always had a vested interest in his country and 
community, Mr. Alford has served as a U.S. Marine, a Walton County 
deputy sheriff, a special agent with the State of Florida Beverage 
Department, and undersheriff with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.
  As Mr. Alford departs his active role in the law enforcement 
community, he can take pride in knowing that he influenced so many 
people in a positive way. Mr. Alford will always be remembered not only 
as a committed crime fighter, but a man of principle with a sincere 
desire to serve his community, State, and Nation.

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