[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 103 (Wednesday, July 11, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING NORTH CAROLINA STATE SENATOR EDWARD JONES ON THE OCCASION OF 
      RECOGNITION BY DOWNTOWN ENFIELD RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION

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                         HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 11, 2012

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great pleasure to honor 
North Carolina State Senator Edward Jones. Senator Jones' steadfast 
commitment to North Carolina and its Fourth Senatorial District is to 
be applauded as a fine example of a public servant. As the only retired 
State Trooper elected to the North Carolina Senate, Senator Edward 
Jones serves his constituency with a legacy of humility and patriotism. 
He truly embodies his personal motto, ``We are not judged by the titles 
we possess, but by the job we do.''
  Senator Jones' public service extends back to his duties in the 82nd 
Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. After an honorable discharge from 
the military, Edward Jones served as Deputy Sheriff in Buncombe County 
prior to enrolling in the North Carolina Justice Academy where he 
became a patrolman in 1975. At the time, he was one of only three 
African American troopers in North Carolina, and defied odds by rising 
to the rank of Sergeant in 1985 and ultimately First Sergeant in 1995.
  Upon retirement from the State Highway Patrol, he went on to serve as 
Chief of Police and later Mayor for the city of Enfield, located in 
Halifax County. His service in these two roles provided significant 
exposure to local concerns and a firm foundation for his subsequent 
political career.
  In 2005, Jones was appointed to the North Carolina General Assembly 
to complete the unexpired term of Representative John Hall. In 2007, he 
was appointed again, this time to complete the unexpired term of 
Senator Robert Holloman. In this seat, which remains as his current 
post, he serves North Carolina Senate's Fourth District, one of the 
largest districts in the legislature. As Senator, Jones has 
distinguished himself in the area of crime and public safety. He not 
only leads from the senate floor, but also on a grassroots level as he 
frequently visits communities, agencies, and organizations to assess 
respective needs and concerns.
  Outside the legislature, Senator Jones is decorated with many 
achievements. He is the first African American to serve on the Board of 
Trustees at Chowan University. He is a member of the Governor's Crime 
Commission, the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, and board 
member of the Halifax County Boys and Girls Club.
  While his commitment to public service is commendable, it is 
noteworthy that he is deeply rooted in his faith and family. Jones is 
the proud husband to wife, Mary Ann, father to daughters Alesha and 
Andrea, and ``Papa'' to granddaughters, Charisma, Carmen, and Farrah.
  Senator Jones is a man of honor, valor, and commitment. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in applauding Senator Edward Jones' lifelong 
dedication to the people of North Carolina.

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