[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 34 (Thursday, February 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO MRS. JERIS LAMPKIN SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 2009

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to 
Mrs. Jeris Lampkin Smith on the occasion of her retirement from the 
United States District Court, Southern District of Florida's Probation 
Office after 32 years of service and dedication. Mrs. Lampkin Smith 
will retire from the position of Supervising United States Probation 
Officer in the State of Florida, and can look back on a proud career of 
service and distinction in community leadership.
  A native Floridian, Mrs. Lampkin Smith graduated from Middleton High 
School in Tampa, and in order to further her education, she attended 
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and received a Bachelor of 
Science degree. On April 25, 1977, Mrs. Lampkin Smith was appointed the 
first African-American female probation officer by Chief United States 
District Judge C. Clyde Atkins. Ultimately, Mrs. Lampkin Smith became 
the first person of color to be promoted to the position of Supervising 
United States Probation Office in the State of Florida. She was not 
joined by any other African-American officer until 1983.
  Mrs. Lampkin Smith had a distinguished 32 year career working for the 
Southern District of Florida Probation Office. The United States 
Probation Office in the Southern District of Florida is one of 94 
federal judicial districts nationwide. U.S. Probation officers play an 
integral role in the administration of justice by protecting our 
communities by monitoring offenders and enforcing Court Orders, as well 
as promoting positive individual change by addressing offenders' needs 
through effective use of community resources.
  In an effort to compliment her professional achievements, Mrs. 
Lampkin Smith is involved with various organizations such as a charter 
member and former president of the Dade County Chapter of The Links, 
Incorporated; life member and Regional Foundational Member at Large for 
Jack & Jill of America, Foundation, Washington, DC; member of Alpha 
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; and life member of the Black United 
States Probation and Pretrial Services Association and NAACP.
  This public servant is married to Herbert B. Smith and has one 
daughter, Courtney Smith. In retirement, Mrs. Lampkin Smith plans to 
continue to develop her new career as an event planner, travel the 
world and play golf with her husband.
  Mrs. Lampkin Smith is an outstanding American worthy of our 
collective honor and appreciation. It is with deep respect and 
admiration that I commend Mrs. Jeris Lampkin for her 32 years of 
service to the South Florida area, and wish her and her family the very 
best in retirement.

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