[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 80 (Wednesday, May 16, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING AND REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF CHIEF TOM EMERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2018

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor today to acknowledge the life 
of a devoted community leader and loving father and husband, Chief Tom 
Emerson, who died suddenly at the age of 58 after more than 30 years of 
service to law enforcement and public safety in Northern Michigan.
  A native to the Grand Traverse area, Chief Emerson dedicated his life 
to public service. For the past seven years, Tom served as the Elk 
Rapids Police Chief, first joining the department in March 2011. Prior 
to that, he served with the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office, 
where he retired as a Captain in 2010 after 26 years of service. Chief 
Emerson was also a firefighter with Grand Traverse Rural Fire and the 
Elk Rapids Fire Department, where his contributions to the creation of 
their training facility were instrumental. He was named Firefighter of 
the Year in January of 2018.
  Tom was well-respected as a community leader, selfless public 
servant, mentor, and friend. Following visitation, Chief Emerson will 
be laid to rest on Sunday, May 20, in Traverse City.
  Mr. Speaker, Chief Emerson's impact on Northern Michigan cannot be 
overstated. His family and community can take pride in knowing that the 
state of Michigan is a better place thanks to his life's work. On 
behalf of Michigan's First Congressional District, I ask you to join me 
in recognizing an outstanding community leader whose contributions will 
continue to bless Michiganders for many years to come.

                          ____________________