[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO SHIRLEY ELLIOTT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Mr. Shirley Elliott, an exceptional Kentuckian. Elliott, a 72-year-old 
deputy sheriff, has served and protected the people of Knox County with 
distinction for 35 years. A man this committed to the safety and well 
being of his community deserves our recognition.
  Like many eastern Kentucky teenagers from his generation, Elliott was 
prepared to work in the dark coal mines of Appalachia. He began helping 
his father haul coal out of the mines at the age of 15. In 1970, while 
he worked at a coal tipple in Knox County, he received an offer from 
then-Sheriff Jim Matt Mooneyham to become deputy sheriff. After a short 
time on duty, Elliott knew he had found his lifelong calling.
  Thirty-five years later, Elliott is a pillar of the community that he 
serves and protects. The community and law enforcement officers in Knox 
County hold him in high regard, and he has earned a reputation as a 
mediator. Current Sheriff John Pickard recently told a Kentucky paper, 
``He's probably the best I've ever seen at calming a dangerous 
situation.'' Elliott says his strategy involves simply giving people 
time and space to cool off. During 35 years of service, he has never 
had to fire his .44-caliber Smith & Wesson during a potentially 
dangerous encounter.
  Deputy Sheriff Elliott no longer works the night shift, which leaves 
more time for him to work in his garden and spend time with his wife 
Nikki and their children and grandchildren. He has considered 
retirement, but, for now, continues to proudly wear his badge.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my colleagues and myself, I want to thank 
Deputy Sheriff Shirley Elliott for his sacrifice and service on behalf 
of the people of Knox County, Kentucky. His dedication and integrity 
are an inspiration to us all.

                          ____________________