[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 69 (Wednesday, April 21, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF RICHARD ERICKSON

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                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2021

  Mr. KELLY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of 
Richard Erickson, who passed away on February 21, 2021. He was a true 
servant to his family, community, and country and he will be deeply 
missed.
  ``Dick'' Erickson was born on March 8, 1952 to Leslie and Alida 
Erickson in Preston, Minnesota. He attended Elementary School at 
Highland Country School, and at the age of 12 he left home to work for 
a local farmer. He later attended high school in Lanesboro, Minnesota. 
At age 17, Dick enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the 
Vietnam War aboard the USS Newport News.
  After returning, Dick began his 38 year career in law enforcement. He 
attended the Rio Hondo Police Academy in Whittier, California before 
joining the police force in Tupelo, Mississippi. He worked as an 
undercover narcotics officer and became a K-9 officer where he met his 
new partner, a German Shepard named Akky. The pair served together as 
Dick headed up the Tupelo Drug Task Force. Dick ended his career as the 
Chief of Police in Mantachie, MS. As a Mississippian, Dick served in 
the Army and Mississippi National Guard. In his 8 year career, he 
earned his combat medic's license and the rank of E6.
  Mr. Erickson is survived by his mother, Alida; brother, Larry; sister 
Mary Brown; nine children; and thirteen grandchildren.
  Dick Erickson was a dedicated community servant and a beloved father, 
brother, and leader. I am grateful for his service to state and country 
and join countless others in mourning his loss.

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