[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 143 (Thursday, October 1, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE OF DEPUTY SHERIFF WILLIAM ``BILL'' 
                                 MYERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 2015

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with both profound sadness 
and deep gratitude that I pay tribute to Deputy Sheriff William Myers, 
of the Okaloosa County, Florida Sheriff's Office, who gave his life in 
the line of duty on September 22, 2015. Deputy Myers served our Nation 
and the Okaloosa Sheriff's Office with honor and distinction, and I am 
humbled to recognize his service and selfless sacrifice.
   Deputy Sheriff William ``Bill'' Myers dedicated his life to serving 
his country. He faithfully served in the United States Air Force for 20 
years, during which he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. After 
he left the military, Deputy Myers worked as a part-time Officer with 
the Valparaiso Police Department. In December 1989, he joined the 
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office as a Deputy Sheriff serving the local 
Northwest Florida community. During his tenure, he served in the Patrol 
Division, Court Security, and the Traffic Unit. Deputy Myers retired 
from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department on November 30, 2013 with 
25 years of service, but continued his work with the agency as a 
volunteer. In January of this year, Deputy Myers returned to the 
Sheriff's Office as a part-time Deputy in Judicial Process. Upon 
serving a Domestic Violence Injunction on Tuesday, September 22, 2015, 
the suspect who was expected to turn over his firearms, instead opened 
fire, fatally injuring Deputy Myers.
   Through his military service and his law enforcement career, Deputy 
Myers made a choice to stand up and serve his country and community. 
There is no greater honor than to serve and protect the lives of your 
fellow man at the risk of your own. Deputy Myers exemplified the 
dedication to service and courage that is needed to make that decision 
and put on the uniform. As a law enforcement officer, Deputy Myers put 
himself in danger each and every day to protect and serve our 
community. We all entrust our lives to law enforcement officers because 
we know that when faced with serious criminal threats, they are trained 
to act quickly and effectively to neutralize the threat and protect 
civilian lives. We all pray that our officers do not have to confront a 
serious armed threat, but we sleep well at night knowing that if 
necessary they stand ready to protect and defend our community, even if 
that means making the ultimate sacrifice.
   In addition to his successful career and unwavering leadership in 
his community, Deputy Myers will be remembered as a dedicated officer 
and a man full of integrity and kindness. To his family and friends, he 
will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful community and Nation, I am 
humbled to honor the service and sacrifice of this local hero. My wife 
Vicki and I offer our sincere condolences to his wife, Jan; sons, Sean, 
Eric, and Adam; and the entire Myers family. May God bless them and all 
members of our Nation's law enforcement community.

                          ____________________