[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 7 (Thursday, January 11, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E34]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING MR. SAMUEL K. BEAMON, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 11, 2018

  Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sam 
Beamon, a native of Waterbury, Connecticut. The Waterbury Fellowship of 
Christian Churches will be recognizing Sam at their annual Martin 
Luther King, Jr. Service for Sam's lifelong commitment to public 
service and his leadership in Connecticut's African American community. 
Sam has spent his career in service to others both in the military and 
as a civilian, and his dedicated work and perpetually friendly demeanor 
have made him an instrumental and beloved member of the Waterbury 
community.
  Sam's interest in serving his country began at a young age, and he 
joined the Young Marines in 1960. He later served in the United States 
Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and earned numerous commendations 
for his service, including 16 Air Medals, the Combat Action Ribbon, and 
the Good Conduct Medal. Upon returning to Connecticut, Sam joined the 
Waterbury Police Department in 1970 and rose through the department's 
ranks to fill a number of important roles, as well as stepping into a 
vital role as an advocate for African Americans and breaking down 
institutional racial barriers. During his nearly three-decade career 
with the Department, Sam worked as an Accident Investigator, a radar 
operator, and on the SWAT Team.
  Throughout his career and after his retirement, Sam has also been 
active in a number of civic organizations and causes. He has been an 
advocate for veterans in Waterbury and across Connecticut, and, in 
2014, Sam became the chairman of the Waterbury Veteran's Memorial 
Committee. He has also worked to improve the lives of and opportunities 
for young people, particularly those who face socioeconomic challenges, 
to pursuing meaningful opportunities to engage with their community.
  Mr. Speaker, Sam Beamon has spent his life in service to his country 
and community, and it is proper that we honor him on MLK Day for his 
countless contributions. I consider myself lucky to have had the 
opportunity to work with Sam and even luckier to count him among my 
friends.

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