[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14610]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THOMAS R. MERRILL OF LAKE COUNTY, FL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 17, 2006

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize Thomas R. Merrill of Groveland, Florida. Recognized as the 
longest serving police chief in the Nation, Chief Merrill was honored 
at the Florida Peace Officers Association awards ceremony as the first-
ever recipient of their Distinguished Service Award.
  For the past 37 years, Chief Merrill has served as Groveland's chief 
of police and has proved to be an inspiration to his community and area 
residents. In addition to his high morals and integrity, Chief 
Merrill's long tenure has demonstrated his great dedication and 
commitment to his profession, as well as to the city of Groveland.
  Born and raised in Umatilla, FL, Chief Merrill joined the military 
after graduating from college, serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1959 
to 1963 as a nuclear weapons specialist. Chief Merrill later became an 
officer with the Eustis Police Department, where he remained for 3 
years. After taking a brief leave of absence from the force to spend 
time with his family, Chief Merrill soon thereafter accepted the 
position as Groveland's police chief. He has been there ever since, 
serving Groveland with pride and seeing the city through many changes.
  After raising his children in Groveland, Chief Merrill is committed 
to keeping his community safe for future generations. He has enjoyed 
watching the police department and the city grow during his tenure, and 
with greater expansion likely for the future, Chief Merrill has no 
plans to retire anytime soon.
  Mr. Speaker, Chief Merrill's career shows that loyalty and dedication 
to one's community can indeed bring success and accomplishment. I 
congratulate him on being the first recipient of the Distinguished 
Service Award and commend him on his commitment and devotion to his 
career and to Groveland.

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