Darlene Hooley: “I stand today to recognize someone in my district, John O'Brien, who is the sheriff of Lincoln County. It is in honor of…”

“I stand today to recognize someone in my district, John O'Brien, who is the sheriff of Lincoln County. It is in honor of his 30 years of law enforcement in Lincoln County. I extend a sincere thank-you to Sheriff O'Brien on my own behalf and on behalf of all of the citizens of Lincoln County. Our laws are of little utility if no one makes sure they are followed. Seldom do we take the time to recognize the routine achievements that allow our Nation to function as it should. Many times it is only the pitfalls, the unfortunate breakdowns in our system, that draw attention to law enforcement. Such fickle evaluation of our law enforcement officers is manifestly unjust. The fact is that the grand majority of our days are without incident. The rule of law reigns. The people reject upheaval. These points demonstrate that the greatest victories of law enforcement are its contributions to regularity. We never recognize the people who give us plain, old, ordinary days. Perhaps we should. Accordingly, it is with great pride that I congratulate Sheriff John O'Brien. His bravery, dedication and service in building a safer and stronger community have provided the people with Lincoln County with thousands of wonderfully uneventful days. Sheriff O'Brien's career demonstrates a commitment to public service to which every officer of the law should aspire.”