[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 19 (Wednesday, January 29, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LEADERSHIP AND CAREER OF SERGEANT JOHN AITON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
South Carolina (Mr. Norman) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the exemplary 
leadership and career of Sergeant John Aiton, a native of the Palmetto 
State, born and raised in my hometown of Rock Hill, South Carolina.
  Upon graduating from Rock Hill High School, John Aiton attended East 
Coast Bible College, where he received a bachelor of arts in pastoral 
ministries, later earning a master's degree in biblical interpretation 
from Pentecostal Theological Seminary.
  After a brief teaching and coaching stint at the Heritage Academy in 
Fort Mill, Sergeant Aiton joined the Rock Hill Police Department. John 
always had a special place in his heart for helping the community, so 
after 2 years of patrol work, he left to join the juvenile division as 
a DARE instructor.
  During his work early on, he was promoted to special investigator, 
and was selected to serve on the police force's first crisis 
negotiating team, forming the department's neighborhood watch program.
  Because of his dedication to the local community, he began to serve 
as the department's chaplain and continued work with the Worthy Boys 
and Girls Camp. This ultimately led him to his best-known role, a 
school resource officer for 22 years; 11 years at Northwestern High 
School, followed by another 11 years at South Pointe High School.
  Throughout his distinguished career, Sergeant Aiton went above and 
beyond his job to protect and serve the community. Due to his service, 
he was promoted to sergeant of the Community Service Division, but 
because of his commitment to student safety, he relieved himself of 
those duties.
  John is a truly inspirational citizen and a community servant whose 
pride and joy is found in protecting students.
  After a distinguished career, Sergeant John Aiton retired from the 
force in June of 2019. It is truly an honor to recognize and 
congratulate Sergeant John Aiton on his well-deserved retirement. Rock 
Hill could not have asked for a better, selfless role model for our 
community.
  In the words of Winston Churchill, who made famous a quote when Great 
Britain was about to be under siege, he said:

       There will be a time when doing your best is not good 
     enough. You must do what is required.

  Sergeant Aiton did what was required to make a true difference.

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