[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 13 (Friday, January 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E83]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING CHIEF RICKY WATSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 27, 2012

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, there are sacred obligations all 
citizens have to their community: to participate, to serve, and to 
leave their home a more prosperous place than they found it. From time 
to time, it is my distinct privilege to acknowledge outstanding 
citizens who have made it their life's work to fulfill their sacred 
obligations. I rise today to honor Chief Ricky Watson as he retires 
from 25 years of service to the Brentwood community, the Memphis 
community, and the greater Tennessee family.
  Chief Watson began his career in public service by joining the 
Memphis Police Department in 1978 where he worked in various precincts 
as well as in the Criminal Investigations Division. A veteran of the 
United States Air Force, it was no surprise that Chief Watson would 
join the Tennessee National Guard and earn the rank of 1st Lieutenant. 
Coming to Brentwood in 1986, he served as Captain of Administrative 
Services and Captain of Police Services until 2000 when he was 
appointed as Chief of Police.
  A storied legacy of service, Chief Watson embodies at that we in this 
chamber hold sacred. A member of the International Association of 
Chiefs of Police, American Legion, and Leadership Brentwood, Chief 
Watson has spent his career giving to the noble ideals of freedom, 
service, and sacrifice. I thank him for his service and his example, 
and ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ricky Watson for his 
lasting devotion to a higher calling.

                          ____________________