[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 165 (Thursday, November 17, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING MILLER COUNTY SHERIFF BILL ABBOTT ON HIS RETIREMENT

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                        HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2016

  Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of 
mine, Miller County Sheriff Bill Abbott on his upcoming retirement. As 
a native and resident of Miller County, I also happen to be one of 
Sheriff Abbott's constituents. Sheriff Abbott is retiring from his 
position in December 2016. Sheriff Abbott has dedicated more than 
sixteen years of service to Miller County residents since his 
appointment to office on April 6, 1999. The enthusiasm Sheriff Abbott 
has for his job hasn't been lost over the years he has served. Even 
with that enthusiasm, Sheriff Abbott realizes that it is time for a 
change.
   As a Miller County resident, Sheriff Abbott has remained committed 
to his county, the people who reside in the county, and the state of 
Missouri. He comes from a family of public servants, some of whom 
served in law enforcement and his mother, Kathryn, who worked in the 
dispatch office. He credits his success as Miller County Sheriff to the 
support he has received from his family and community members. Sheriff 
Abbott's goal when he attained the position was to restore the public 
trust in the sheriff's office.
   Around 640 square miles are encompassed within the Miller County 
Sheriff's Department jurisdiction. Sheriff Abbott currently has eight 
road officers covering that area day and night and, additionally, has 
two detectives that also contribute their time to road work. There have 
been some difficult cases during his time as sheriff, including seven 
infant deaths in just a year and a half time span. While there have 
been some tough cases, there were also many good moments as well. Under 
Sheriff Abbott's leadership, several positive changes in the jail and 
courthouse have occurred. Throughout the updates at the jail and 
courthouse, Sheriff Abbott was committed to using vendors from the 
Miller County area. It was important to him to keep everything local. 
Sheriff Abbott attributes the successes of the sheriff's office to the 
good staff and continuing support from the community.
   With this retirement, Sheriff Abbott will be able to enjoy more time 
with his wife, Linda, and their children, Gayle, Gwen, Chad, and 
Courtney. He will also undoubtedly treasure the extra moments he can 
spend with his fifteen grandchildren. I know Sheriff Abbott is also 
looking forward to working more with the cattle that he and his son 
own.
   I ask you to join me in recognizing Sheriff Bill Abbott for his more 
than sixteen years of service to the Miller County Sheriff's 
Department, the residents of the county, and the entire state of 
Missouri.

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