[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 185 (Thursday, October 21, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF DEPUTY RUSSELL F. ROARK

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                           HON. RALPH NORMAN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 21, 2021

  Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of 
Deputy Russell F. Roark, a beloved community leader and former Police 
Chief for the City of York.
  Deputy Roark has dedicated over fifty years to protecting our 
community. He began his career in public service as a city fireman in 
1962. The following year, he started working as a police officer. By 
April of 1983, he became the Police Chief for the Union Public Safety 
Department. Throughout his twenty years of unparalleled leadership and 
service as Police Chief, Roark trained, mentored, and encouraged 
countless individuals who have entered the law enforcement profession. 
Other officers described his advice as ``priceless.'' In 2003, Russell 
retired as Police Chief. Instead of relaxing and enjoying retirement, 
Russell continued to serve his community and immediately went to work 
for the Union County Sheriffs Office as a process server.
  Described by his colleagues as dependable, hard-working, and 
compassionate, Deputy Roark always gives more than 100 percent to his 
job. As explained by a dear friend, ``vacation and sick leave are not 
in his vocabulary.'' Even on his days off, Deputy Roark would show up 
at work to paint the patrol office and spend holidays delivering gifts 
to individuals in nursing homes.
  He has exceeded expectations in service to our state, highlighted by 
his receipt of numerous awards and accolades. For example, Deputy Roark 
has been honored with the Union County Cornerstone Award and was named 
the 2009 Union County Sheriff Office Deputy of the Year. He has earned 
the respect of law enforcement and citizens all over the state. Most 
everyone in Union County still fondly refers to him as ``Chief' because 
of his decades of selfless service to the community.
  The career of Deputy Roark is a testament to all the good our men and 
women in blue do for our communities. A true servant-leader, he has 
created a legacy of progress and success. On behalf of the 5th District 
of South Carolina, I thank Deputy Roark for his continued service and 
wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Union County has truly 
been blessed to have him as a community guardian throughout the last 
half century.

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