[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 8, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MRS. DORA SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 8, 2022

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
tenacious and self-motivated trailblazer Mrs. Dora Smith. Dora has 
shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to 
achieve success.
  Dora is a native of Vicksburg where she attended and graduated from 
Rosa A. Temple in 1965. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 
Educational Psychology from Alcorn State University.
  Dora, a woman of integrity, honor and dignity, was the first black 
female officer at the Vicksburg Police Department, where she worked for 
26 years. In this capacity, she has worked in patrol, Juvenile 
Division, desk sergeant and Drug and Alcohol Division.
  As a member of the Vicksburg Police Department, Dora touched the 
lives of many children through her work in the Juvenile Division and in 
her relationship with child abuse agencies, shelters, and MS Dept. of 
Human Services. On her off days from the police department, Dora worked 
as substitute teacher at Vicksburg Public School District. After 
retirement, she worked as a security guard at Riverwalk Casino, where 
she is recognized as a Happy Hero.
  Dora has received the Officer of the Year Award from Vicksburg 
Benevolent Homecoming Organization; Officer of the Year from the 
American Legion Hut and a certificate of Appreciation from the Mike 
Moore Drug & Alcohol Division for being steadfast and tenacious in her 
efforts to help children not abuse drugs and alcohol.
  She is the proud wife of Charles Smith, Sr., who she was joined in 
holy matrimony on April 14, 1968. Dora and Charles have 5 children, and 
two followed in her footsteps and chose law enforcement as a career. 
Dora is member of the King David M. B. Church No. 1, where she is 
committed to the women ministry and is the program coordinator.
  She is a member of the Vicksburg NAACP Chapter, Alcorn Alumni 
Association, and the Essence Social & Civic Club, where she is the 
founding member, mentor and event's organizer.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. 
Dora Smith for her passion and dedication to serve others and the City 
of Vicksburg.

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