[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 11960-11961]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 26, 2017

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Christopher 
Williamson, a dedicated individual who devotes his life to protecting 
and defending the communities of South Carolina. Mr. Williamson has 
recently been appointed as the South Carolina Highway Patrol's first 
African American commander.
  From the time he joined in 1988, Williamson has led a rewarding 
career within the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Williamson is a native 
of Darlington, South Carolina and was born into a family whose values 
were founded on hard work, personal integrity and community service. He 
graduated from Fayetteville State University in 1985 with a Bachelor's 
Degree in Political Science and a minor in Police Science. Soon after 
college, Williamson began his career within the law enforcement realm 
as a Correctional Officer with the South Carolina Department of 
Corrections.
  In 1986, Williamson accepted a position with the Darlington County 
Sheriff's Department as a Deputy and within two years, he joined the 
South Carolina Highway Patrol. His service on the Highway Patrol showed 
his great dedication, leadership, and dedication. He rose through the 
leadership ranks by eventually becoming Lieutenant Colonel in 2011 and 
last month, he was appointed the Commander of the South Carolina 
Highway patrol. As Commander, he is responsible for overseeing all 
Patrol operations statewide.
  Mr. Williamson's service to his community is not limited to his 
position as Commander. In 2014 he received a master's degree in 
Clinical and Behavioral Counseling. He has served as a Youth Advocate 
Counselor in Berkley County, a Camp Counselor, and even founded his own 
non-profit organization that provides mentoring and life skill services 
for youth. He works hard to prepare youth within his county to become 
productive members of society. He is a fellow member of Omega Psi Phi 
Fraternity Inc., and he represents our fraternity by providing service 
to the world around him.
  Mr. Williamson's career has taken him across the state of South 
Carolina and he has touched many lives. His humble upbringing and 
genuine qualities have enabled him to effectively serve his community. 
Throughout his career, he was actively involved in community service 
and has received numerous honors

[[Page 11961]]

and awards for these efforts. He has made history by being appointed to 
this position and I am proud to call him a fraternity brother and 
personal friend.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
this barrier-breaking public servant, and to wish him Godspeed and 
continued success. Col. Christopher Williamson is a pioneer and an 
innovator in the law-enforcement arena and has earned the respect of 
the great state of South Carolina.

                          ____________________