[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 5, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E132-E133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO DONALD L. WATTENBARGER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2019

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the memory of Donald Wattenbarger of London, Kentucky, a retired Laurel 
County Sheriff's Deputy who dedicated more than 20 years as a bailiff 
for district and circuit courts.
  In addition to his commitment to serve and protect the people of 
Laurel County, Don had a generous heart for local youth. He was a 
former chairman and avid supporter of the

[[Page E133]]

local Shop with a Cop program, providing children in need with the 
opportunity to go shopping during the holidays with an officer or first 
responder from the Sheriff's Department. He and his wife, Virginia, 
were instrumental in bringing the program to London in 1996. As a 
result of their perseverance and fundraising efforts over the last two 
decades, Shop with a Cop has continued to grow and give hope to 
children who need it the most. Don was also a board member of the 
London-Laurel County DARE program for many years, where he tirelessly 
worked to prevent drug abuse through school education programs.
  Don was a faithful member of the Calvary Baptist Church and a member 
of the C.D. Ward Masonic Lodge and Oleika Shriners Temple in Lexington, 
Kentucky. He was also named a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Paul Patton. 
In fact, Don was so beloved by his hometown, he was voted a ``London 
Living Treasure'' in 2018, an award presented to those who have given a 
lifetime of service to London and Laurel County.
  Don's commitment to Laurel County is a testament to the impact one 
person can have on a community. My wife, Cynthia, and I send our 
heartfelt condolences to Virginia and the host of family, friends and 
community members whose lives were affected by this great man. We 
deeply appreciate the compassion he shared and the service he gave to 
his community.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the late 
Don Wattenbarger for a lifetime of dedicated service in southern 
Kentucky.

                          ____________________