[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 15 (Friday, January 24, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E70]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF CHARLES PENNINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 24, 2020

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the memory of my friend, Charles Pennington, Junior, who was a true 
American patriot and an economic development engine for London, 
Kentucky.
  Charlie was a thriving work horse every day that he had the ability 
to serve others. He dedicated 26 years to law enforcement, first as a 
Kentucky State Trooper, until he was drafted for the Korean War. He 
honorably served this great Nation in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1959. 
When he returned home to American soil, he was sworn in as a Laurel 
County Sheriff's Deputy. One year later, he became a Deputy U.S. 
Marshal and participated in some of the nation's most historic moments 
in time. In fact, he escorted the first African American student into 
an integrated school and was featured in Norman Rockwell's captivating 
painting of that fateful day. During my first year in office, 
representing Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District, I was honored to 
recommend Charlie's promotion to U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District 
of Kentucky. President Ronald Reagan appointed him to the role, serving 
67 Kentucky counties, until his retirement.
  During what could have been long restful years of retirement, Charlie 
invested his time and energy to recruiting businesses and creating new 
jobs in Laurel County through the London Planning and Zoning Commission 
and the London Laurel County Industrial Authority--and he wasn't just 
good at it, he was great. Charlie helped transform Laurel County into 
an industrial hub for our entire region. He was instrumental in 
developing a desperately needed new industrial park, which now 
rightfully bears his name. Thanks to his tireless efforts to lay a 
healthy economic foundation and landscape in Laurel County, the I-75 
corridor will continue to progress for generations to follow.
  Aside from his official duties, Charlie volunteered countless hours 
to the Laurel County Fire Department and other civic organizations. He 
made a difference in our region and we can already see the growth made 
possible by his dedication. I am forever grateful for his friendship 
and partnership on economic development projects over the years. My 
wife, Cynthia, and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Charlie's 
entire family and his countless friends across the state.

                          ____________________