[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 12, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING NORTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR TRAVIS SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 2022

  Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kannapolis Police 
Sergeant Travis Smith on being recognized as the 2021-2022 North 
Carolina Police Officer of the Year.
  A native of Cabarrus County, Sergeant Smith graduated from Northwest 
Cabarrus High School in 1999 before joining the United States Marine 
Corps Reserve in 2000. He was deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi 
Freedom and served in the United States Army Reserves upon completing 
his assignment. In 2006, Sergeant Smith started with Kannapolis Police 
Department as a patrol officer. He became a Field Training Officer in 
2014 and was later promoted to Sergeant in 2016. He continues to 
provide extraordinary service to his community as a member of Patrol 
Squad D.
  Over the course of this career, Sergeant Smith has continuously 
demonstrated the highest level of sacrifice and bravery as a member of 
both the military and law enforcement. In 2013, he was awarded a Life 
Saving Award for rescuing a civilian from their burning home. His 
courageous action resulting in this previous distinction highlights 
just one example of his unassailable commitment to protecting and 
defending the residents of Kannapolis.
  The North Carolina Police Officer of the Year award is sponsored by 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organization. Sergeant Smith was 
nominated by Kannapolis VFW Post 8989 and selected from a statewide 
field of qualified police officers. In being recognized as the 2021-
2022 National Police Officer of the Year, Sergeant Smith is now also 
recognized as a National VFW Police Officer of the Year. Sergeant Smith 
has made an immeasurable impact on our community and is incredibly 
deserving of these distinctions. I would like to offer my sincerest 
appreciation and wish him success as he continues to serve and set an 
example for all in our community.
  Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Sergeant Travis Smith 
as the 2021-2022 North Carolina Police Officer of the Year and wish him 
well as he continues his exemplary service to our community.

                          ____________________