[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 78 (Monday, May 6, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING JACKSONVILLE MAYOR SAMMY PHILLIPS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GREGORY F. MURPHY

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 6, 2024

  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a faithful public 
servant, Mayor John (Sammy) Phillips of Jacksonville, North Carolina. 
Recently, celebrating his 50th anniversary of service to the city, 
Mayor Phillips dedicated most of his adult life to helping the people 
of Jacksonville. Everyone who knows him can attest to his strong work 
ethic and selfless devotion to his community.
  In 1974, Mayor Phillips started his career as an officer with the 
Jacksonville Police Department and, after serving for over thirty 
years, retired as Deputy Chief of Police. Thanks to his leadership and 
dedication, the Jacksonville Police Department became a nationally 
accredited law enforcement agency in 1991. While Mayor Phillips served 
in the Police Department, he also worked to complete academic studies. 
He graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National 
Academy, a premier law enforcement training program in Quantico, 
Virginia. Taking night classes, he earned a Bachelor's degree in 
criminal justice from North Carolina Wesleyan College. Mayor Phillips 
also completed a Master's in Public Administration from East Carolina 
University. Mayor Phillips's sacrifices during his law enforcement 
career to further his profession and knowledge base are quite laudable.
  In 2004, when Mayor Phillips retired from the Police Department, he 
couldn't resist his love for his community and commitment to public 
service. After a few months of working around his house and playing 
golf, he filed for a seat on the City Council in 2004. After a stint on 
the City Council, he decided to run for Mayor and was elected in 
November 2007. Now going on 17 years, Mayor Phillips is the longest-
serving Mayor of Jacksonville since W. Bruce Teachey. During his tenure 
as Mayor, Mr. Phillips has been known for his attentiveness to the 
concerns of his Jacksonville constituents. In 2017, when renewed racial 
tensions arose, Mayor Phillips was determined to bring all residents of 
Jacksonville together. He helped to launch the ``One City, Our City, My 
City'' campaign to promote healing in his community. In 2014, Mayor 
Phillips received the Long Leaf Pine Award, an honor given to North 
Carolinians with an exemplary record of public service. Mayor Phillips 
has spearheaded much development in the city, including revitalizing 
the Jacksonville City Hall, building multiple fire stations, and 
constructing the Jacksonville Marina. A lifelong resident of 
Jacksonville, Mayor Phillips has demonstrated his love for the city and 
its inhabitants. I feel honored to extend this chamber's recognition of 
this faithful public servant, and I look forward to the future success 
of Jacksonville with Mayor Phillips at the helm.

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