[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 195 (Thursday, November 30, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN MEMORY OF SHERIFF DAVID C. HOBBS, JEFFERSON COUNTY FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. AL LAWSON, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 30, 2017

  Mr. LAWSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
individual who has made a remarkable impact on Jefferson County, and 
indeed all of Florida, Sheriff David C. Hobbs who passed away on 
Monday, November 27, 2017 at the age of 58, due to complications from 
cancer.
  Sheriff Hobbs was a dedicated public servant who served his country 
in the U.S. Marine Corps and his community as Sheriff for four terms. I 
honor his service and all law enforcement officers for risking their 
lives to keep others safe.
  Sheriff Hobbs was born and raised in Monticello, Florida. He was a 
graduate of the Florida Highway Patrol Academy and a member of the 
Florida Highway Patrol for 11 years. He served as a Deputy Sheriff of 
the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office for eight years and was elected 
Sheriff in 2004 and was re-elected subsequently.
  He promoted legislation requiring state drivers' licenses and 
identification cards to rapidly identify sexual offenders who prey on 
children. For many years, he sponsored the Cops & Kids program which 
provided bicycles to many underprivileged children at Christmas. He 
also implemented Project Lifesaver in Jefferson County, to aid in the 
search for persons with special needs. Additionally, Sheriff Hobbs 
began the Ag Watch Program in late 2014 to assist the agricultural 
community in the prevention of the loss of livestock and equipment as 
well as recovery of any property loss.
  Florida Governor Rick Scott recognized his talents and value by 
appointing him to the Criminal Justice Standards and Training 
Commission in 2014. It is fitting that the Governor has ordered the 
State and U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff at the Jefferson County 
Courthouse, Monticello City Hall, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office 
and the State Capitol in Tallahassee from sunrise to sunset through the 
day of Sheriff Hobbs' funeral service on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
  Mr. Speaker, Sheriff Hobbs had a larger than life personality, which 
explains the larger than life void that Jefferson County and the 
citizens of the state of Florida are feeling. His loyalty and love to 
his family, God and community, will be remembered and Sheriff Hobbs' 
spirit and attitude will be truly missed.

                          ____________________