On the recordFebruary 6, 2020
It is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Liberty County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Whitten, who succumbed to complications of a gunshot wound. On May 29, 2019, Deputy Whitten was off duty when he heard a ``shots fired'' call over the dispatch. Responding without hesitation, he drove to the scene. After a brief pursuit, Deputy Whitten was shot in the neck by the murder suspect, paralyzing him instantly. After visiting with him and his wife, Kami, in the hospital last July, he told me that he would do it all over again to protect his community and his citizens. On February 3, 2020, Deputy Whitten suffered a complication while undergoing physical therapy and passed away. He served with the Liberty County Sheriff's Office for 4 years, and he will be greatly missed. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank a real hero, Deputy Richard Whitten, for his faithful service. Thank you. ____________________
