The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF SERGEANT PAUL EDWARD THORNTON
______
HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS
of texas
in the house of representatives
Friday, February 18, 2022
Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exemplary work of Sergeant Paul Thornton as he retires from a life of public service. He has served the citizens of the State of Texas, in the communities of Houston, Huntsville, and The Colony as a police officer for over 34 years.
Sergeant Thornton began his law enforcement career in 1988 when he was hired as a police officer with the University of Houston Central Campus Police Department. He attended the Harris County Sheriff's Office Academy. Between 1988 and 1992, Sergeant Thornton also worked as a police officer with the Sam Houston State University Police Department and the Walker County Sheriffs Office. During this time he also earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University.
On September 2, 1992, Sergeant Thornton was hired by The Colony Police Department. Just a year later, he was named The Colony PD's
``Officer of The Year''. In 1995, he became The Colony PD's first and only K9 Officer. He and his K9 colleague, Major, a narcotic detection dog, worked the streets several years combating illegal narcotics.
In 1998, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. After his promotion, he served as both a Night Shift and Day Shift Patrol Sergeant. As a Patrol Sergeant, he has been in charge of the Crossing Guards, Bike Patrol Unit, Traffic Enforcement Division and the departments off-duty employment program. He has also served as the department's Criminal Investigations Supervisor and the Internal Affairs Sergeant.
In 1999, be met the love of his life and wife, Karen Thornton. Karen is a United States Air Force Veteran and holds a Master's Degree from the University of Texas-Austin. Sergeant Thornton and his wife have three children, Alex, Samantha, and Tyler; and two grandchildren, Clayden and Reagan Thornton.
Sergeant Thornton has devoted over 34 years faithfully serving and protecting his community. For more than three decades, he has put strangers' safety above his own, and we are indebted to him. I am deeply grateful for his service to our community and state, and I wish Sergeant Thornton and his family the best in his retirement.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 33
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