[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 143 (Tuesday, August 11, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF WILLIAM K. NICHOLS

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                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 11, 2020

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
the life of Deputy William Nichols, who passed away on Wednesday, July 
22, after heroically rescuing his son from a rip current at Fort Walton 
Beach.
  William was born on January 15, 1987, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He 
was a humble and kind man who always put others before himself. His 
passion for search and rescue began at a young age after watching his 
father oversee the county's search-and-rescue unit. His love for 
others, coupled with his selflessness, allowed him to follow in his 
father's footsteps and pursue a career in search-and-rescue with DeSoto 
County.
  He began his career as a volunteer and would later serve as a senior 
officer and Sergeant with the sheriffs department. Like his father, he 
was then promoted to director of the search-and-rescue unit and would 
oversee the unit for the following seven years.
  Outside of his passion for search-and-rescue, William was a faithful 
member of Cornerstone Church and served as the Explorer Advisor through 
the Boy Scouts of America. Other than holding numerous specialized 
certifications in his field, William also served as a NASCAR instructor 
and lead evaluator and was also an NRA instructor.
  William died a hero, and his heroism will not be forgotten as 
William's last act of service was saving his son. His life was one of 
service, grace, and love for his family and community. He will be 
greatly missed by all whom he encountered.
  Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Lindsay Nichols; his 
daughter, Leah Langtson; and his son, William Nichols; as well as many 
other friends and extended family members.

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