[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16449]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING SHERIFF WENDELL HALL UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT 
            FROM THE SANTA ROSA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Sheriff 
Wendell Hall upon the occasion of his retirement from the Santa Rosa 
County Sheriff's Department. Sheriff Hall has dedicated more than 35 
years to serving his community through law enforcement.
  Sheriff Hall attended Ernest Ward High School in Walnut Hill, 
Florida. He continued his education at Pensacola State College and at 
Troy State University where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of 
Science degree in Criminal Justice.
  Upon completion of college, his career began in 1981 as a 
Correction's Officer with the Escambia County Sheriffs Office before he 
transferred to Law Enforcement in 1982; serving as a Patrol Deputy, 
Narcotics Investigator/Supervisor, and Administrative Supervisor. He 
was promoted during this time to the rank of Corporal and again to 
Sergeant, eventually becoming a Certified Hostage Negotiator, Firearms 
Instructor, and Field Training Officer. During his tenure at the 
Escambia Sheriff's Office, he received special award recognitions for 
``Outstanding Service to the Community,'' in 1984; a Meritorious 
Service Award,'' in 1992; as well as numerous other honors for his 
dedication to protecting our community.
  In 2000, Sheriff Hall began serving the people of Santa Rosa County 
when he was elected Sheriff. He has received numerous recognitions for 
his service including, but not limited to, Elk Lodge Number 2787 ``Law 
Enforcement Officer of the Year'' for 2002 through 2003; Pace Rotary 
Club ``Rotarian of the Year for Exceptional Dedication and Commitment'' 
for 2003 through 2004 and 2006 through 2007; Florida Council on Crime 
and Delinquency ``Law Enforcement Distinguished Service Award'' 2003; 
and Pace Chamber of Commerce 2015 ``Man of the Year Award.''
  In addition to his career in law enforcement, he has been a shining 
role model in his community. He currently serves on the Santa Rosa Kids 
House, as the Board of Directors Chairman, the Florida Sheriff's 
Association District 1 Board of Directors, the Vets to VA Clinic 
Committee, and as a member of the First Judicial Circuit Law 
Enforcement Association, along with other countless volunteer 
positions.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged 
to recognize Sheriff Wendell Hall for his dedication and service to 
Northwest Florida. My wife Vicki and I wish him and his wife, Karen; 
his children, Lisa, Dana, Kayla, Brandon, Amanda, Kenneth, and Megan; 
and his fourteen grandchildren all the best as they embark on this next 
journey in their lives.

                          ____________________