[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2611]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO SHERIFF BILL BLAIR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
pay tribute to Sheriff Bill Blair of Delta County, Colorado. Bill Blair 
has been the Sheriff of Delta County for the past fourteen years where 
he has faithfully served his constituents with the honor, courage, and 
integrity that Americans have come to expect from their elected 
officials. Recently, Sheriff Blair has announced his retirement and, as 
he leaves office this January, I would like to pay tribute to his 
career and accomplishments before this body of Congress and this 
nation.
  Throughout his life, Sheriff Blair has proven himself to be a 
dedicated American, committed to the service of his community and 
country. At age seventeen, Bill Blair joined the United States Navy 
where he faithfully served his country for twenty years. During his 
career in the military, Bill was an aircraft firefighter while on four 
aircraft carriers. Bill also served in the Vietnam War, where he 
received the Navy's Professional Service Award for meritorious service 
in both 1968 and 1972.
  Soon after leaving the military, Bill Blair began his career in law 
enforcement, where he served the Delta County Sheriff's office as a 
reserve deputy and later as a deputy sheriff. He was promoted again as 
the department's first non-uniformed investigator for the Delta County 
Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Blair was later appointed Undersheriff by 
then Sheriff Richard Miklich, a position that he held for two years. 
From there, Bill was appointed Sheriff in the middle of Miklich's final 
term of office.
  As a former law enforcement officer, I am well aware of the dangers 
and hazards our police officers face today. These individuals work long 
hours, weekends, and holidays to guarantee their fellow citizens rights 
and protections. They work tirelessly and with great sacrifice to their 
personal and family lives to ensure our freedoms remain strong in our 
homes and communities. Their service and dedication deserves the 
recognition and thanks of this body of Congress, and that is why I am 
so honored to celebrate the retirement of a man who has given so much 
to his community and country.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere gratitude that I recognize Sheriff 
Bill Blair of Delta County, Colorado before this body of Congress and 
this nation. Sheriff Blair has served the citizens of Delta County with 
great character and integrity, and it is an honor to represent such an 
outstanding American in this Congress. I wish Bill all the best in his 
retirement.

                          ____________________