July 25, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 126 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE OF MIDLAND SHERIFF GARY PAINTER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2019

  Mr. CONAWAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Midland 
Sheriff Gary Painter, who was taken from us far too soon. Sheriff Gary 
Painter served Midland County with unconditional dedication for 34 
years, and will be remembered by West Texans as a patriot of integrity 
and valor.
   Sheriff Painter is a native Texan, growing up a farming community 
north of Lubbock where his family planted cotton and grains. After 
graduating from Plainview High School, he enlisted in the United States 
Marine Corps and dutifully served his nation through two tours of duty 
in Vietnam. His unrelenting dedication to our country earned him the 
National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam 
Service Ribbon with 6 devices, the Presidential Unit Commendation, and 
the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He was honorably discharged from the 
United States Marine Corps with the rank of Sergeant on August 31, 
1970.
   Upon his return to Texas, he began his career in law enforcement, 
working for the Texas Department of Public Safety, Culberson County's 
Sheriff's Office, Presidio County's Sheriff's Office, and the Midland 
Police Department before joining the Midland County Sheriff's Office in 
1982.
   Throughout his nine terms as Sheriff of Midland County, Gary 
dedicated himself to improving the office. He utilized the latest 
technologies, helping law enforcement work faster, smarter, and better. 
He also notably organized the first multi-jurisdictional narcotics task 
force in West Texas, keeping our community safer.
   Sheriff Painter has left behind a huge pair of boots to fill. His 
legacy as a courageous, selfless, public servant will be remembered and 
honored by all those he inspired over his decades of service. Gary has 
left behind his wife, Patsy, five children, seven grandchildren, and 
four great-grandchildren. God Bless his family and loved ones during 
this difficult time of loss. Suzanne and I will continue to pray as our 
community mourns.

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