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“RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF COLONEL GRAHAM W. FOUNTAIN” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E629 on May 9, 2013.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF COLONEL GRAHAM W. FOUNTAIN
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HON. JEFF MILLER
of florida
in the house of representatives
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Graham W. Fountain upon his retirement after a highly decorated and distinguished twenty-eight-year career in local and state law enforcement. Colonel Fountain's dedicated service to protecting and serving the people of Florida has been exemplary.
After graduating from Crestview High School in Crestview, Florida, Colonel Fountain attended Troy University, where he received a Bachelor's of Science degree in Criminal Justice. After completing his studies at Troy University, Colonel Fountain returned to his native Okaloosa County to become a Deputy Sheriff in the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office. Colonel Fountain quickly established himself as a first-class law enforcement officer, and in 1991 he began his service in state law enforcement as a Law Enforcement Investigator with the Florida Office of the State Treasurer, where he served as an undercover operative, conducted interrogations, provided training to local law enforcement agencies, and drafted bill language for the agency to present to the Florida Legislature.
In 1995, Colonel Fountain returned to the Okaloosa County Sheriff's office, where he served as Undersheriff. In this important position, Colonel Fountain provided unparalleled leadership and administrative excellence overseeing over 250 law enforcement officers and support personnel.
Colonel Fountain's excellent record and demonstrated success led Florida Governor Jeb Bush to appoint Colonel Fountain as the Director of the Florida Department of Transportation's Office of Motor Carrier Compliance and Law Enforcement Operations. During his eight-year tenure at the department, Colonel Fountain spearheaded efforts to bring stakeholders in the trucking industry together with the Florida Legislature and Department of Transportation to dramatically improve the safety of Florida's highways without compromising the trucking industry's ability to transport freight. Colonel Fountain then brought his vast knowledge of the transportation sector to help develop Florida's ``Pre-Pass'' credentialing system, which has boosted efficiency and saved millions of hours of downtime. Colonel Fountain is an exceptional law enforcement officer and leader, and his sedulous work on behalf of the State of Florida was recognized by the Florida Department of Transportation when he was awarded their top honor, the
``Leader of the Year'' award.
Colonel Fountain has also used his vast experience in law enforcement to help improve local, state, and national efforts in homeland security, disaster preparedness, transportation, and law enforcement development. He has served in numerous important capacities outside of his law enforcement career, including as the Commissioner and Chairman of the Florida Commission on Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation, President of the State Law Enforcement Chiefs Association, Vice-Chair of Florida's Joint Task Force of Law Enforcement Communications for the Department of Justice's Homeland Security Advisory Council, and as a member of the Florida Seaports Security Standards Council. Colonel Fountain continues his outstanding service to Florida today as the Commissioner of the Florida Historical Commission.
Outside of his service to Florida, Colonel Fountain is a loving and devoted husband to his wife Felicia and a man of great faith. He is an active member of First Baptist Church in Crestview, where he serves in the church leadership. Colonel Fountain has also served in numerous capacities in state, local, and national political campaigns, including county chair and member of the National Public Safety Advisory Council and as Florida Co-Chair for Public Safety/First Responders.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Colonel Graham W. Fountain for his twenty-eight years of outstanding leadership and service to Florida. My wife Vicki and I wish Colonel Fountain and his family all the best.
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