[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 110 (Wednesday, July 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATED SERVICE OF PENSACOLA CHIEF OF POLICE CHIP W. 
                                SIMMONS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 15, 2015

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Pensacola 
Chief of Police Chip W. Simmons on the occasion of his retirement after 
nearly 30 years on the force serving the people of Florida's Gulf 
Coast.
   Shortly after his graduation from Pine Forest High School, in 
Pensacola, Chief Simmons started his career in law enforcement at the 
Escambia County Sheriff's Department as a Corrections Officer. Upon his 
graduation from the Pensacola Police Academy, Chief Simmons joined the 
Pensacola Police Department in October 1986. Like so many other 
dedicated law enforcement officers, he entered the force looking to 
serve the community that he loved, and after less than 10 years on the 
force, during which Chief Simmons served on numerous state and federal 
task forces and completed both Bachelors' and Masters' degrees, he 
received a promotion to Sergeant. This promotion, a reflection of Chief 
Simmons assiduous work ethic and unquestioned commitment to excellence, 
would portend many future promotions to come.
   In 1997, Chief Simmons was appointed the city's SWAT Commander, a 
position he held for four years, and in 1998 he received yet another 
promotion to Lieutenant. During this period, Chief Simmons also 
graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, while also 
serving as a member of the U.S. Customs Blue Lighting Strike Force. In 
2002, Chief Simmons was promoted to Captain, before being appointed 
Assistant Chief of Police in 2005. Following the retirement of his 
predecessor, Chief John W. Mathis, Chief Simmons was nominated and 
chosen to serve as the Chief of Police for the Pensacola Police 
Department.
   During Chief Simmons' years at the helm, the Pensacola Police 
Department has worked tirelessly to protect and serve the local 
citizens, and Chief Simmons has overseen several impressive 
accomplishments. Most importantly, under his leadership, the City of 
Pensacola has recorded the lowest crime rate in recorded history, while 
also pursuing a rigorous accreditation process from the Commission for 
Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. certifying the department's 
professional excellence.
   Given Chief Simmons' dedication to his community and the department, 
it should come as no surprise that he is one of the most decorated 
officers in Pensacola Police Department history. While his full list of 
awards and commendations is too numerous to mention, he has received 
the department's highest award for heroism--the Gold Medal of Valor--
and numerous merit awards from both the department and the city. In 
addition, Chief Simmons has been recognized by state and local law 
enforcement bodies on several occasions, receiving both the Drug 
Enforcement Administration's Achievement Award and induction into the 
Police and Firefighters Heroes Hall of Fame.
   Chief Simmons is also a true leader in the Northwest Florida civic 
community, and, in addition to his service as a police officer, he has 
also served in many leadership capacities at civic organizations. Among 
these positions, he currently serves on the Board of Trustees of 
Pensacola State College, a position appointed by the Governor of 
Florida, and he has served on the Board of Directors of Ronald McDonald 
House, Favorhouse of Northwest Florida, the Community and Alcohol 
Commission, as well as the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce's Military 
Affairs Committee.
   As a former Deputy Sheriff, I understand the important and sometimes 
underappreciated role of law enforcement officers. Each and every day, 
dedicated law enforcement officers put themselves in danger to protect 
and serve their community as an officer of the law. Chief Simmons 
exemplifies all of the qualities of a world-class law enforcement 
officer, and his decades of service are a testament to his commitment 
to our Nation and the law enforcement community.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am 
privileged to recognize Chief Simmons for his service to the people of 
Northwest Florida. My wife Vicki and I congratulate him on his 
retirement and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________