[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 73 (Friday, June 9, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H3707-H3708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING CONSTABLE DALE GEDDIE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gohmert) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today with a heavy 
heart. A constituent of mine, Smith County Constable Dale Geddie, was 
shot to death in Smith County and Deputy Daniel Leon was injured 
Wednesday morning as they responded to a domestic disturbance dispute 
call just outside Tyler, Texas.
  Tyler deputies called for backup that morning, and Dale responded the 
same way he had his whole life, by getting to the scene as quickly as 
possible, without regard for his personal safety or what might be 
waiting for him at the scene.
  Having known Constable Geddie well and understanding what a crucial 
role he played in his community, it is understandable, Mr. Speaker, 
that the

[[Page H3708]]

community, the county, the State and so many around the country, 
including law enforcement, have extended condolences to his family 
during this tragic time. It is, indeed, a sad day for East Texas and 
the United States.
  Born in 1960, the son of a Smith County sheriff's deputy, Dale Geddie 
attended Rice Elementary School and Whitehouse Elementary School before 
his parents bought a ranch in Winona. Constable Geddie graduated from 
Winona High School in 1979 and began his law enforcement career as a 
jailer with the Smith County sheriff's office on August 23, 1985.
  To further expand his expertise and intellect in the law enforcement 
arena, our fine constable attended the East Texas Police Academy at 
Kilgore College in 1986 and graduated at the top of his class.
  Following graduation from the academy, Dale transferred to the 
criminal investigation division as a deputy investigator, and during 
his time as a detective, Dale also served for a time as an undercover 
narcotics officer.
  Our friend Dale left the sheriff's department in 1996, and he spent 
some time as a freight driver and even as a farrier before opening 
Lovelady-Geddie Private Investigators and Polygraph Service.
  Dale signed up to be a reserve deputy for the Smith County Sheriff's 
Department in July of 2004 as he was gearing up for his first political 
race. Many in the community encouraged Dale to run for constable, which 
he won, garnering around 58 percent of the vote.
  Constable Dale Geddie's personal life, as well as his professional 
life, was shaped by his integrity. Many friends who knew him best cited 
his deep faith and his commitment to his family. Whether for family, 
friends, community or Nation, Dale truly did strive to serve and to 
protect.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, let me read a short quote that Mr. Geddie's 
neighbor, Justice Sam Griffith, gave when hearing of the constable's 
death: ``When I heard he had been killed, I immediately thought of the 
scripture, `Well done, good and faithful servant,' '' Justice Griffith 
said.
  Mr. Speaker, God be with the Geddie family, his loved ones, as well 
as the Daniel Leon family and Daniel Leon as well.

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