[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7268]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO CHIEF WILLIE L. SMITH

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2011

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great 
public servant who has dedicated his entire career to protecting the 
public. Over the last 40 years, Chief Willie L. Smith served in the 
military and as a law enforcement official. His commitment to serving 
the public has never waned. Chief Smith is being honored for his years 
of service on June 18, 2011, and I am pleased to add my voice to the 
many who are thanking him for his lifetime of accomplishments.
  Willie L. Smith was born on August 12, 1949 in Marion, South Carolina 
to H.B. and Ruth McCummings Smith. He was educated in the public 
schools of Marion County and graduated from Johnakin High School in 
1967. In May 1969, he was drafted into the United States Army and 
reported to Fort Jackson for his advanced infantry training. After 
graduation, he was sent to Fort Bragg and joined the 18th Airborne 
Corps with B Battery, 4th Battalion, and the 73rd Field Artillery.
  Chief Smith served a tour in Vietnam where he was assigned to the 1st 
Cavalry 2nd Brigade Aviation Platoon, the helicopter unit that flew 
convoy escorts and sniffer missions. He spent a year in Vietnam, and 
returned to his hometown in 1971. That year, he was hired at the Marion 
Police Department, where he worked his way up through the ranks to 
Lieutenant.
  Smith's career then took him to the Alcohol Beverage Control 
Commission where he served as an ABC agent for five years. His service 
there earned him many honors. One of his highest commendations came for 
outstanding service to the South Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control 
Commission for his participation in the investigation of the George 
Wells Gambling Organization in Berkeley County.
  Mr. Smith returned home, where he was hired as Marion's Chief of 
Police, a position which he held for 34 years. Chief Smith earned 
numerous commendations, awards, and certificates. Twice he earned the 
Best of Marion, and was given the U.S. Marshal's Service Award, the 
Palmetto State Law Enforcement Award, the Marion Chamber of Commerce 
Award, the District 6 Service Award, and the Woodman of the World 
Community Service Award. He was also voted the most professional law 
enforcement officer in Marion in 2007, and received the City of Marion 
Outstanding Public Service Award given by Mayor Bobby Gerald and the 
City Council.
  Chief Smith is married to Elista H. Smith and they have two children, 
Craig L. Smith and Tara Nicole Smith-Hughes. They are also blessed with 
five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Chief Smith for his 40 years of service. He has served with dignity and 
a great sense of duty. He regularly put his life on the line to protect 
others and ensure his country, his state, and his community were safe 
and secure. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I offer a sincere and 
humble thank you for his lifetime of tremendous service.

                          ____________________