The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF DEPUTY RUSSELL F. ROARK
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HON. RALPH NORMAN
of south carolina
in the house of representatives
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Deputy Russell F. Roark, a beloved community leader and former Police Chief for the City of York.
Deputy Roark has dedicated over fifty years to protecting our community. He began his career in public service as a city fireman in 1962. The following year, he started working as a police officer. By April of 1983, he became the Police Chief for the Union Public Safety Department. Throughout his twenty years of unparalleled leadership and service as Police Chief, Roark trained, mentored, and encouraged countless individuals who have entered the law enforcement profession. Other officers described his advice as ``priceless.'' In 2003, Russell retired as Police Chief. Instead of relaxing and enjoying retirement, Russell continued to serve his community and immediately went to work for the Union County Sheriffs Office as a process server.
Described by his colleagues as dependable, hard-working, and compassionate, Deputy Roark always gives more than 100 percent to his job. As explained by a dear friend, ``vacation and sick leave are not in his vocabulary.'' Even on his days off, Deputy Roark would show up at work to paint the patrol office and spend holidays delivering gifts to individuals in nursing homes.
He has exceeded expectations in service to our state, highlighted by his receipt of numerous awards and accolades. For example, Deputy Roark has been honored with the Union County Cornerstone Award and was named the 2009 Union County Sheriff Office Deputy of the Year. He has earned the respect of law enforcement and citizens all over the state. Most everyone in Union County still fondly refers to him as ``Chief' because of his decades of selfless service to the community.
The career of Deputy Roark is a testament to all the good our men and women in blue do for our communities. A true servant-leader, he has created a legacy of progress and success. On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, I thank Deputy Roark for his continued service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Union County has truly been blessed to have him as a community guardian throughout the last half century.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 185
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