[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 33 (Friday, February 18, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





            IN RECOGNITION OF SERGEANT PAUL EDWARD THORNTON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 18, 2022

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exemplary 
work of Sergeant Paul Thornton as he retires from a life of public 
service. He has served the citizens of the State of Texas, in the 
communities of Houston, Huntsville, and The Colony as a police officer 
for over 34 years.
  Sergeant Thornton began his law enforcement career in 1988 when he 
was hired as a police officer with the University of Houston Central 
Campus Police Department. He attended the Harris County Sheriff's 
Office Academy. Between 1988 and 1992, Sergeant Thornton also worked as 
a police officer with the Sam Houston State University Police 
Department and the Walker County Sheriffs Office. During this time he 
also earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Sam 
Houston State University.
  On September 2, 1992, Sergeant Thornton was hired by The Colony 
Police Department. Just a year later, he was named The Colony PD's 
``Officer of The Year''. In 1995, he became The Colony PD's first and 
only K9 Officer. He and his K9 colleague, Major, a narcotic detection 
dog, worked the streets several years combating illegal narcotics.
  In 1998, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. After his 
promotion, he served as both a Night Shift and Day Shift Patrol 
Sergeant. As a Patrol Sergeant, he has been in charge of the Crossing 
Guards, Bike Patrol Unit, Traffic Enforcement Division and the 
departments off-duty employment program. He has also served as the 
department's Criminal Investigations Supervisor and the Internal 
Affairs Sergeant.
  In 1999, be met the love of his life and wife, Karen Thornton. Karen 
is a United States Air Force Veteran and holds a Master's Degree from 
the University of Texas-Austin. Sergeant Thornton and his wife have 
three children, Alex, Samantha, and Tyler; and two grandchildren, 
Clayden and Reagan Thornton.
  Sergeant Thornton has devoted over 34 years faithfully serving and 
protecting his community. For more than three decades, he has put 
strangers' safety above his own, and we are indebted to him. I am 
deeply grateful for his service to our community and state, and I wish 
Sergeant Thornton and his family the best in his retirement.

                          ____________________