[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 95 (Friday, June 28, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SERGEANT 
                       AT ARMS EARNEST W. SUMNER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL WEBSTER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 28, 2013

  Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to take this 
opportunity to recognize a close friend of mine and a highly regarded 
public servant of the Florida House of Representatives, Sergeant at 
Arms Earnest ``Ernie'' W. Sumner. Mr. Sumner will retire from his post 
this summer after a long and accomplished career in the Florida 
Legislature.
  The past and present Florida House of Representatives and entire 
Florida Legislature has been fortunate to have such a dedicated and 
compassionate colleague and friend. In 1971, Ernie began his career 
with the Florida House of Representatives. As Speaker of the Florida 
House of Representatives, I was pleased to have had the privilege to 
appoint Mr. Sumner as Sergeant at Arms of the Florida House of 
Representatives on July 1, 1998. A committee meeting room, 404 House 
Office Building, has been named ``Sumner Hall'' in honor of Mr. Sumner.
  The intangible guidance and skillfulness that Mr. Sumner has 
displayed to the Florida House of Representatives, its Members, its 
staff, and the public is to be commended. His leadership has influenced 
many through his devotion, fortitude, and kindness, and will be set 
apart in the years to come.
  Mr. Sumner has had an outstanding career, and he deserves special 
recognition for this achievement. I am honored to recognize him for the 
distinguished service and counsel he has provided the State of Florida, 
and thank him for his hard work and many contributions. After more than 
four decades and 138 legislative sessions, his commitment to 
excellence, leadership and service is to be admired. My sincerest 
wishes and congratulations to Ernie and his family on his retirement.

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