[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 208 (Wednesday, December 9, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1126-E1127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING WILSON COUNTY SHERIFF JOE D. TACKITT, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2020

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sheriff Joe D. 
Tackitt, Jr. after 28 years of dedication and service to Wilson County, 
Texas.
  Sheriff Tackitt was elected in 1992 and over the course of his 
career, he worked tirelessly to keep his community safe. Through his 
hard work and efforts, he helped bring the Criminal Justice Center to 
Wilson County and improved

[[Page E1127]]

communications across the sheriff's office while saving taxpayer money. 
He also increased the number of full-time deputies on patrol to 25 and 
secured a nearly $7 million budget. In addition, he created the Sheriff 
Santa Program to help families in need during the holidays.
  I have worked with my friend Sheriff Tackitt for several years and 
witnessed first-hand the important work he has done for his community. 
We must never forget his leadership during the tragedy at Sutherland 
Springs Church in 2017 and how much he cared for his community as a 
third-generation native of Wilson County. The dedication that he showed 
to others should be a constant reminder of how we should be in our 
daily lives.
  For his leadership and service, Sheriff Tackitt has received several 
awards. In 2018, his office was presented with the EMS Telecommunicator 
Award by the Texas Department of State Health Services for outstanding 
achievement. In addition, the Sheriffs' Association of Texas recognized 
Sheriff Tackitt and his staff in 2019 for the outstanding support they 
provided for the 141st Annual Training Conference and Expo.
  In addition to his hard work as sheriff, he is active in his 
community as a member of the Sheriff's Association of Texas, the 
Floresville Lions Club, and the Texas Jail Association. Along with his 
involvement in the community, he also served as a member of the Texas 
Air National Guard and is a devoted family man.
  As we move forward, let us take the time to appreciate the service of 
heroes like Sheriff Tackitt and all the individuals who risk their 
lives each day to keep us safe. However, in the words of President John 
F. Kennedy, ``As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that 
the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.''
  Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the career and service of 
Sheriff Tackitt.

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