[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 163 (Wednesday, October 11, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1355-E1356]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING FALLEN KISSIMMEE POLICE SERGEANT SAM HOWARD III

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 2017

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and privilege to recognize the 
life of fallen Kissimmee Police Sergeant Sam Howard III, who passed 
away August 19, 2017. Sam and his fellow officer, Matthew Baxter, were 
fatally wounded on August 18, 2017, while responding to a shots-fired 
call in the northern area of Kissimmee. Both officers sacrificed their 
lives in the line of duty protecting a woman, whose own statement said, 
``without question,'' the two men were responsible for saving her life.
  Sam was born on September 20, 1981, in Bartow, Florida. Raised in 
Central Florida, he graduated from Osceola High School in 2000. Shortly 
after graduating, Sam joined the Florida Army National Guard and served 
in Iraq from December 2003 to March 2005. Fulfilling a goal his wife, 
Billie Jo Howard, says was always on his mind; to serve and protect.
  After his military service, Sam's desire to serve and protect led to 
his pursuit of joining the Kissimmee Police Department on January 22, 
2007. Sam was a Detective Corporal, Street Crimes Corporal, Traffic 
Homicide Investigator, DUI Officer, Motors Officer, and S.W.A.T. 
Sniper. On July 7, 2017, his impressive work effort and dedication led 
to his promotion to the rank of Sergeant.
  Sam's sense of duty also carried over to his responsibilities as a 
father and husband. Sam had always kept his promise to be a role model 
and good father to his daughter, Unique. Through hard times and good, 
Sam always put Unique as his priority; as he would always attend her 
sporting events. Sam's wife would say ``everyone should be blessed to 
have a father like Sam.''
  Sam was not only a leader of our community in Kissimmee, but he was 
also a good person and friend to those who knew him.

[[Page E1356]]

Through Sam's passion for cars and athletics, his positivity brought 
joy to those around him. As a leader, Sam only wanted what was best for 
the community, and to make sure the people knew he was there to help 
those in need. For those who guard over us are our fellow brothers and 
sisters, who give their hearts to the communities they serve.

                          ____________________