[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 54 (Thursday, April 3, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO SGT. JAMES W. HALLMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2003

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of this 
nation's most dedicated citizens, Sergeant James W. Hallman, Jr. On 
February 24, 2003, we lost James when he was senselessly gunned down 
during a morning stroll in Cantonment, the randomly chosen victim of a 
crime that has no explanation. We will forever miss James, but his 
impact and influence on our Northwest Florida community will never be 
forgotten.
  A 34-year veteran of the Pensacola Police Department, James was the 
epitome of every law enforcement officer in the world. James was 
awarded the prestigious Silver Cross from the department in 1989 for 
going above and beyond the call of duty when he attempted to rescue two 
children near the 17th Avenue boat ramp. It was that dedication and 
determination to serve his community to the furthest lengths of his 
abilities that made him a hero to all and an officer to whom so many 
have tried to model themselves after.
  Probably best known as the ``Candy Man,'' James could always be found 
passing out candy to children when he was out patrolling schools and 
housing developments. As Chief John Mathis said at his funeral, ``there 
is little doubt in my mind that right now, James is passing out candy 
to angels in heaven.''
  James' dedication to serving his community did not end upon his 
retirement from the police force in 1998. He was a member of the East 
Brent Baptist Church, the Brownsville Masonic Lodge, 32 Degree Scottich 
Rite and York Rite Mason, and the Hadji Shrine Temple. He was a man who 
lived to serve his community and for that we will be forever grateful.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my sincere and heartfelt 
condolences to the family of Sgt. James W. Hallman for their loss. His 
friends knew him as a kind man with an easy laugh and his coworkers 
knew him more for putting his fingers in his pocket to pull out candy 
than for putting his hand on his gun belt. On this such occasion, we 
honor one of America's greatest citizens, Sgt. James W. Hallman, Jr., 
whose legacy will live on long beyond his passing.

                          ____________________