[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 73 (Monday, April 29, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING CONGRESSIONAL PATRIOT AWARD RECIPIENT TOM WATT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 29, 2024

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Tom Watt 
of Denison, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot 
Award. Tom currently serves as the chief law enforcement officer for 
Grayson County, and he has dedicated himself to serving and protecting 
our community.
  Tom was born at Selfridge Air Force Base in Harrison Township, 
Michigan. He began his lengthy law enforcement career in 1979 as a 
Corrections Officer for the United States Army's 1st Infantry Division 
at Fort Riley, Kansas. In 1981, Tom began serving as a civilian patrol 
officer for the Sherman Police Department. For his outstanding public 
service and excellence, he was selected to serve as Sherman's Chief of 
Police in 2004, a position he held for nearly nine years. Tom briefly 
retired in 2013, but was drawn back to public service when then-Sheriff 
Keith Gary asked him to become his Chief Deputy, which Tom gladly 
accepted. When Mr. Gary retired in 2016, Tom was appointed by the 
Grayson County Commissioner's Court to complete his term. He was later 
elected to serve as the duly elected Sheriff for Grayson County and 
will retire at the end of this year.
  For his extensive efforts to protect and uplift our community, Tom 
has been recognized on several occasions. In 2019, Tom received the 
Community Champion Award from the Texoma Health Foundation for his 
leadership on the issue of mental health services. He also received the 
Dr. Don Rogers Award from the Texoma Behavioral Health Leadership Team. 
Tom currently serves on the board of the Texoma Regional Police Academy 
and the Texoma Law Enforcement Leadership Group. In his free time, he 
enjoys bowling, golfing, and playing pinball. I am proud to recognize 
Tom today for making a positive impact on the world around us, and I 
wish him continued success for many years to come.
  It is an honor to bestow Tom with the Patriot Award for his 
exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

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