    [Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 10, 2018)]
    [House]
    [Pages H87-H88]
    From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                   NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY

      The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
    Illinois (Mr. Bost) for 5 minutes.
      Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, this week, we celebrate National Law
    Enforcement Appreciation Day. Law enforcement officers answer the call
    to public service. They enter into situations that put their lives on
    the line. When the natural human response to danger is to run away,
    these brave men and women run toward it, and they do this to protect
    their communities.
      Our law enforcement officers occupy that thin blue line between good
    and evil. They stand between us and those who wish to do us harm and
    harm to our families.
      To the 780,000 police officers across this country who put on the
    badge every day, thank you, and God bless.

                          Congratulating Helen Hawkins

      Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I also rise today to congratulate Helen
    Hawkins of Edwardsville, Illinois, for being inducted into the Senior
    Illinoisans Hall

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    of Fame. The recognition commemorates the achievements and
    contributions of citizens age 65 and older. Inductees are selected
    through a statewide nomination and judging process. The program
    distinguishes individuals in the areas of community service, education,
    the work force, and the arts.
      Helen is a true public servant who has devoted many years to serving
    the residents of Madison County and Nameoki Township. Her no-nonsense
    style may have ruffled some feathers throughout the years, but she has
    never been afraid to fight for her constituents.
      Helen, thank you for your public service.

                              Honoring Bob Butler

      Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I also rise today to honor the longest serving
    mayor in the State of Illinois, Bob Butler, who is a very good friend
    of Marion. Now, he is a very good friend, but, whenever he first took
    office, he didn't know me well because I was only 2\1/2\ years old. He
    was first elected in April of 1963, and Bob is retiring this month
    after 55 years of service.
      Bob has always been a straight shooter and a good public servant. His
    progrowth agenda has helped turn Marion into a regional powerhouse
    along I-57 in the State of Illinois. In fact, the industrial park in
    Marion is named after him, and Bob fondly refers to the city of Marion
    as the hub of the universe. He represents the dedication to public
    service that should serve as an inspiration to all of us.
      Mayor Bob Butler, we honor you, and wish you a happy and well-
    deserved retirement.

                         Recognizing Sam and Eva Jones

      Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I also rise today to recognize Sam and Eva
    Jones of Marion, Illinois. This remarkable couple was first married on
    September 27, 1936. Now, if you think about that, that was 80 years
    ago.
      Sam worked for Central Illinois Power Service until he retired in
    1978. Eva worked at Norge in Herrin and later as a cook for Washington
    Elementary School. Pillars of the community, they were longtime members
    of First Baptist Church in Marion and the Williamson County Farm
    Bureau. In 1993, their farm was honored as Family Farm of the Year by
    the Farm Bureau.
      Sadly, Eva passed last month, at the age of 101. My prayers are with
    Sam and the entire Jones family. Thank you for making southern Illinois
    a wonderful place to live. God bless you.

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