[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING SHERIFF ASA BUCK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GREGORY F. MURPHY

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 2026

  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor someone 
whom I deeply admire and respect and am lucky enough to call friend, 
Sheriff Asa Buck, who will retire on June 1, 2026, after more than 25 
years of devoted service to Carteret County.
  Asa was born and raised in Carteret County, graduating from East 
Carteret High School before earning his bachelor's in criminal justice 
from East Carolina University. After completing his BLET program, Asa 
joined the Sheriff's Office in 1999 and because of his dedication and 
exemplary work ethic, quickly worked his way up the ranks. In 2006, 
after campaigning and knocking on over 5000 doors to introduce himself 
to the people, he was elected to his first term as Sheriff. The 
citizens of Carteret County have rewarded him for his hard work, re-
electing him multiple times as he has diligently served the community 
for over 19 years.
  In his role as Sheriff, Asa has made the safety of the people of 
Carteret County his top priority. He focused much of his time on the 
opioid and drug crisis that has ravaged so many North Carolina 
communities. He played a pivotal role in launching Carteret's ``Pills 
can kill,'' a drug take back program, and M.E.D.S., a medication 
education program on safe storage and disposal. These anti-addiction 
and collection programs served as a model for other counties across the 
state. Additionally, under his leadership, Carteret County now tops the 
state in arresting and prosecuting drug dealers for death by 
distribution. His tough stance on illegal drugs has saved countless 
lives.
  Asa's commitment to his community has been rewarded with more 
responsibilities. He was elected to serve as the President and Chairman 
of the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association, selected for the 
Governor's Task Force for Mental Health and Substance Use, and was 
awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his contributions to his 
community. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is the highest civilian 
honor in the state of North Carolina. As Asa looks to future 
opportunities to serve, I know that Asa's friendly demeanor and servant 
leadership will be greatly missed by the county and the communities he 
served.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the amazing work Sheriff 
Asa Buck has done and wishing him the best of luck in his retirement.

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