[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 48 (Thursday, March 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRATULATING TROOPER NICHOLAS L. LEWIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JEAN SCHMIDT

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 2009

  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Trooper 
Nicholas L. Lewis and Dispatcher Sonia M. Banks from the Portsmouth 
Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol for being recognized as Ohio's 
Trooper and Dispatcher of the Year. For the first time both of these 
prestigious award winners are from the same post. Also, for the second 
year in a row, the State of Ohio's Trooper of the Year patrols in the 
Second Congressional District.
  Trooper Lewis, a graduate of the 144th Academy Class, has been 
assigned to the Portsmouth Post since February of 2007. Trooper Lewis 
resides in McDermott with his wife, Elizabeth and their two children. 
In October, Lewis was honored with the Ace Award for finding five 
stolen vehicles and has had much success in the Criminal Patrol 
Program. Nick's Post commander, Lieutenant Mike Crispen best describes 
him as truly believing in the Ohio State Highway Patrol's mission of 
saving lives and taking drugs off the street.
  Dispatcher Banks has worked at the Portsmouth Post since 2003, after 
being told of the position by a friend--who recommended that she would 
be perfect for it. Dispatcher Banks lives in Minford with her husband, 
Chris and their two sons. Recently, Banks was instrumental in the 
Post's ability to communicate with each other during a bomb scare on a 
barge and a school shooting, when she worked to acquire a dedicated 
cell tower for operations.
  Madam Speaker, I am very thankful once again to have Ohio's Trooper 
of the Year patrolling the Second Congressional District. And, I am 
equally thankful for having the Dispatcher of the Year in the Second 
District as well. Congratulations Nick and Sonia, I wish you both 
continued success in the years to some.

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