[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 132 (Thursday, August 13, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E786]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING CHIEF DEPUTY KEN LAPEE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JIMMY PATRONIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, August 13, 2026

  Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Deputy Ken 
LaPee of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office as he prepares to retire 
following more than 35 years of dedicated service to his country, and 
the people of Northwest Florida.
  Chief Deputy LaPee's distinguished law enforcement career began with 
his service as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army. 
During his military service, he served in the Persian Gulf War and 
later deployed in support of operations during the unrest in Somalia. 
He also served part-time as a police officer in Alabama before joining 
the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office in 1994.
  Over the course of more than three decades with the Sheriff's Office, 
Chief Deputy LaPee steadily advanced through the ranks and was selected 
to serve as Chief Deputy in 2021. Throughout his career, he has held 
numerous specialized assignments, including service with the Special 
Response Team, Honor Guard, Community Police Unit, Investigations 
Bureau, and Narcotics Unit. His leadership has been defined by a 
commitment to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.
  Chief Deputy LaPee has also dedicated himself to preparing the next 
generation of law enforcement officers. Since 1997, he has served as an 
adjunct instructor with the Northwest Florida State College Basic 
Police Recruit Academy. For nearly three decades, he has trained and 
mentored countless officers in community policing, problem solving, 
leadership, investigative techniques, and community partnerships. He 
has placed particular emphasis on the importance of character, ethics, 
wellness, and resilience in a demanding profession.
  Beyond his law enforcement duties, Chief Deputy LaPee has been an 
active member of his church and served for more than 14 years as the 
director of a faith-based addiction recovery program, further 
demonstrating his commitment to serving others.
  Chief Deputy LaPee leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of 
leadership, mentorship, and public service. His dedication has 
strengthened the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office and made a lasting 
difference in the lives of the officers he trained and the communities 
he served.
  I congratulate Chief Deputy LaPee on his well-earned retirement and 
thank him for more than 35 years of faithful service to our country and 
our community. His career represents the very best of public service, 
and Northwest Florida is grateful for his dedication and sacrifice.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Chief 
Deputy Ken LaPee and wishing him and his family all the best in his 
retirement.

                          ____________________