[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING SERGEANT KYLE THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY G. MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 14, 2001

  Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Sergeant 
Kyle Thomas, of the Orange County California Sheriff's Department, upon 
his retirement.
  Sergeant Thomas began his career in law enforcement in 1958 when he 
joined the Alameda County Probation Department. He worked there until 
volunteering to serve in the United States Army in 1962. A 
distinguished veteran, Sergeant Thomas was an M.P. in Korea. After 
being honorably discharged, Sergeant Thomas was hired by the North 
Orange County Marshal's Department in 1966. Only three short months 
after being hired, Sergeant Thomas was promoted to Deputy II and 
assigned to Civil Field Services. For 15 years, Sergeant Thomas worked 
as a Civil Deputy, handling all types of enforcement duties.
  In January of 1981, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. As a 
Sergeant, his responsibilities have spanned all aspects of North Orange 
County's operations. Because of his vast knowledge of civil procedure, 
Sergeant Thomas has become the Department's resident civil expert.
  Sergeant Thomas is also an active leader in our community. He is a 
member of the Latino Peace Officers Association and served as their 
First Vice President for five years. He has been an active 
representative for the Association of Deputy Marshal's of Orange County 
and the State Marshal's Association.
  In addition to his professional leadership, Sergeant Thomas also 
takes the time to keep local youth on a winning path. Since 1969, he 
has volunteered his services to teach Judo and wrestling at the Anaheim 
YMCA. He has also volunteered as an Orange Youth Soccer League trainer 
and currently coaches Judo at the Gemini Judo Club in Yorba Linda.
  A resident of Placentia, California, Sergeant Thomas' retirement will 
bring more time with his wife of 38 years, Virginia, his two children, 
and three grandchildren.
  Sergeant Thomas' exemplary career in law enforcement distinguishes 
him as a true American hero, worthy of this Congress' praise and 
gratitude.

                          ____________________