[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 14, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E70]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF SGT. J. MICHAEL PHILLIPPI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 14, 2014

  Mr. GRIFFITH of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, Representative Robert Hurt and 
I honor the life and service of Sgt. J. Michael Phillippi of 
Martinsville, Virginia, who passed away while on duty in a tragic auto 
accident on January 11, 2014.
  Born in Kingsport, Tennessee, in 1948, Sgt. Phillippi graduated from 
Gate City High School in Gate City, Virginia, Hiwassee Junior College 
in Madisonville, Tennessee, and East Tennessee State University in 
Johnson City.
  Sgt. Phillippi dutifully served the Commonwealth of Virginia as a 
respected member of the State Police for more than 42 years, spending 
much of his time with the state police office that covers the 
Martinsville, Henry County, and Patrick County area. He became a 
sergeant in 1990.
  Known by many as ``Flip,'' his dedication and service earned him much 
praise. Col. Steven Flaherty, the state police superintendent, said, 
``Highly respected for his leadership, strong character, integrity, and 
dedication to mission, Sgt. Phillippi was totally loyal to the troopers 
he supervised and mentored, and the community he served,'' and Lt. Paul 
Watts said, ``To have done this job as long he has, he's the type of 
veteran we all hope that we can be one day.''
  Sgt. Phillippi was also a very active and devoted member of the 
McCabe Memorial Baptist Church. He served the church as a deacon and a 
member of the pastor search committee, taught Sunday school, and worked 
with its youth group. He also was a member of the YMCA and the Elks 
Club.
  We are honored to pay tribute to this great man. Sgt. Phillippi will 
long be remembered throughout Martinsville, Henry County, and Patrick 
County as well as the Virginia State law enforcement community. Our 
continued prayers and blessings are with Sgt. Phillippi's wife Peggy 
Lawrence Phillippi and his other loved ones as they grieve. May God 
give them comfort during this time.