[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14151]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO CAPT. MITCHELL A. SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 9, 2003

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of this 
nation's most dedicated citizens, Captain Mitchell A. Smith, of the 
Santa Rosa Sheriffs Office. This past Thursday, June 5, 2003, Mitch was 
taken from us. He tirelessly served Santa Rosa County for the past 25 
years, leaving a lasting impact on the Northwest Florida Community that 
he came to know so well. We will forever miss Mitch, but his memory 
will never be forgotten.
  Mitch began his adult life by dedicating himself to the United States 
Army. He chose to serve his country, defending the freedoms and 
liberties that we as Americans have come to hold so dear. It was this 
passion to serve and help others that would continuously be shown 
throughout his life.
  In May of 1978, Mitch retired from the U.S. Army and came to the 
Santa Rosa Sheriffs Office. He began his career in law enforcement as a 
Deputy, but quickly showed his dedication and commitment to serving and 
protecting the people of Northwest Florida, resulting in his subsequent 
promotions to the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. Just two 
weeks ago, Mitch received the honor and recognition of his final 
promotion to the rank of Captain.
  Just two months shy of retirement, Mitch served everyday to the best 
of his abilities. Over the course of his career he received numerous 
letters of commendation for his service to the citizens of Santa Rosa 
County. He was an officer respected by his peers, admired by his 
community, and loved by his family and friends.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my sincere and heartfelt 
condolences to the family of Capt. Mitchell A. Smith for their loss. 
Although his time with us was cut short, we will be forever grateful 
for the time that Mitch did have with us in Santa Rosa County. On this 
such occasion, we honor one of America's greatest citizens, Capt. 
Mitchell A. Smith, whose legacy will live on long beyond his passing.

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