[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO KALAMAZOO COUNTY SHERIFF, TOM EDMONDS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2003

  Mr. UPTON.  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Kalamazoo 
County Sheriff, Tom Edmonds, who is closing a chapter in a long and 
distinguished career of public service. A dedicated and selfless 
individual, Tom has served five terms as Sheriff after being appointed 
to the Office in 1984. Over his tenure as Sheriff, Tom served the 
citizens of Kalamazoo in a number of capacities, all with great 
distinction.
  Since 1975, Sheriff Edmonds' contributions to our community have been 
tremendous. From post to post, he consistently received accolades and 
recognition. In addition to his remarkable service as Sheriff, 
highlights of his storied career include being Adjunct Professor of 
criminal law and procedure at Western Michigan University, Chair of the 
Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, Brigadier General for 
the Michigan Air National Guard, and recipient of Citation and Medal 
for Professional Service from the Michigan's Sheriffs' Association.
  Many words come to mind as one reflects upon Tom's public service to 
our community. He is selfless, brave, generous, giving, caring, humble 
. . . the list goes on. Tom is widely known for his extensive charity 
and dedication to local individuals, businesses, universities, and the 
community as a whole. He spent a career devoted to the protection and 
safety of the citizens of Kalamazoo, and for this the county is forever 
in his debt. There is no question that Tom's dedication and 
contributions to the county will be missed.
  Our community is in debt to Sheriff Edmonds for his continued public 
service since 1975. I wish him and his family all the best in 
retirement. Tom's contributions to our community have been many, and we 
are all better off from his service. He will be truly missed by the 
folks in southwest Michigan. I'm certainly glad he's remaining in our 
corner of Michigan.

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