[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 24, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E203-E204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING SHERIFF GARY F. TOELKE OF THE FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S 
                OFFICE FOR 41 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 24, 2016

  Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of 
mine, Sheriff Gary F. Toelke. He is retiring from the Franklin County 
Sheriff's Office after 41 years of dedicated service. In addition to 
his 41 years of service in law enforcement, Sheriff Toelke is also the 
longest serving sheriff in Franklin County history. He has served seven 
terms spanning 28 years. In 1969, Sheriff Toelke graduated from Union 
High School. A few years later, in 1991, he graduated from the Federal 
Bureau of Investigation National Academy.
  Sheriff Toelke has worked in numerous leadership positions. He is the 
Past President of the Missouri Sheriff's Association and received the 
Sheriff of the Year award from the Missouri Deputy Sheriff's 
Association. Currently, he is a board member with the Major Case Squad 
of Greater St. Louis. During the years of 1970-1976, he served in the 
Missouri National Guard with the Military Police. In March 1975 until 
March 1977, Sheriff Toelke was the Deputy Sheriff in the Franklin 
County Sheriff's Office. Then starting in 1988 to present, Sheriff 
Toelke has been the Sheriff of Franklin County, Missouri.

[[Page E204]]

  Most notably, during his time serving the people of Franklin County, 
Sheriff Toelke led the case when Abigale Woods ``Baby Abby'' was 
abducted. This case had national attention and ultimately ended with a 
successful recovery of Abigale Woods. Sheriff Toelke also successfully 
led the recovery of Ben Owenby ``Missouri Miracle'' which then led to 
the recovery of Shawn Hornbeck. These cases were emotional situations 
and Sheriff Toelke handled the situations with compassion and expertise 
which the families of the children will be forever grateful.
  With this retirement, Sheriff Toelke can now spend more time with his 
family which includes: his wife Sandy, daughters Carrie and Holly.
  I ask you to join me in recognizing Sheriff Toelke on his retirement 
after 41 years of commitment to his community.

                          ____________________