The Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery

In 2008, the U.S. Congress passed legislation creating the Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery and the State and Local Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery. This award honors exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty by federal, state, and local law enforcement officers.

This week, Congressman Mark Sanford and I presented the Badge of Bravery to some of the best in our community.

Representatives Carter and Sanford presenting the Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery

On November 18, 2016, deputies from the United States Marshals Service Southern District of Georgia, and members of the Agency’s Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, sought to locate and arrest a fugitive wanted for multiple counts of attempted murder of police officers. The award recipients demonstrated great courage during the apprehension of the armed fugitive in Long County. Tragically, the apprehension resulted in the line-of-duty death of Pat Carothers, who was serving at the time as the Task Force Deputy Commander.

In addition to fallen Deputy Commander Pat Carothers, we presented the award to Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Ram Suraez, Deputy U.S. Marshal James Turner, and Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Doherty.

Thank you to these brave officers for their service to our community.

From our Nation's Capitol CLXXIII

Monday, July 30, 2018: Every 5^th Sunday is a special time for men in Effingham County as the Guyton United Methodist Church hosts the 5^th Sunday Men’s Breakfast featuring a delicious meal and a message from a local speaker. Co-founded in 1956 by Lawton Nease and Neal Ratchford, the breakfast continues on today and I was fortunate to attend this past Sunday as we heard from Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie.

Rep. Carter participating in the annual AAA “School’s Open Drive Carefully” Awareness event and press conference

This morning, I’m at the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) Office in downtown Savannah for the annual AAA “School’s Open Drive Carefully” Awareness event and press conference. Along with SCCPSS Superintendent Dr. Ann Levett, Police Chief Terry Enoch and Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) Director Harris Blackwood, we take the opportunity to remind drivers that school begins later this week and we all need to slow down and pay close attention. Afterwards, I head to our Savannah office where I meet with representatives from the Georgia Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation followed by a meeting with Evory-Aspen Scott, a young lady from Savannah who I met over a year ago and has recently completed a student study program in Germany. After a meeting with Scott Terry with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, I have a phone interview with the Atlanta Journal Constitution to discuss passage of legislation to extend the National Flood Insurance Program through this year’s hurricane season and hurricane preparedness. Next, I head to Henry Plumbing in Savannah and meet with Todd and Tonya Reed to learn more about their small business and the positive impact the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has had on their business. Afterwards, I head to Oatland Island to witness the damage they sustained from last week’s tornado. Although significant damage was incurred, this hidden gem will not be deterred and they will bounce back. My last visit of the day is with Frank Peeples Jr. with Peeples Industries as I tour their impressive facilities on the Savannah River and learn more about their bulk marine terminal operations.

Tuesday, July 31, 2018: I’m at the Garden City terminal of the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) this morning to take part in the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ports, Georgia Institute of Technology and the Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics. GPA is one of the fastest growing ports in the country and the world because of the planning and logistics that have been invested by the Authority. Today’s MOU will lead to continued growth and expertise development within the state. Afterwards, I head downtown to the Savannah Civic Center where I speak to the participants of the “Connect the Dots” poverty summit being held this morning. The summit brings together members of Savannah’s faith-based community and social organizations to talk about improving the local quality of living.

Rep. Carter at the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Georgia Ports Authority, Georgia Institute of Technology and the Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics

Next, I head to River Street to tour the Savannah Riverboat Cruises and discuss tax reform with the owner, Captain Jonathan Claughton. After a great visit and tour of the Georgia Queen, I head to Woodville Tompkins Technical and Career High School for an appreciation luncheon honoring the teachers, staff and business associates of this great facility that has been named one of the Best High Schools in the Nation for the past four years by U.S. News and World Report. Next, I head to NLaws produce in Garden City to meet with co-founder Jay Epstein to discuss tax reform and tour the facility. Started in 2003, this family owned business has seen tremendous growth through the years by stressing quality customer service. Afterwards, I head to the Salvation Army Command Center in Savannah where I meet with Major Paul Egan and his staff to learn more about what this great organization does to help those in need in our community. Finally, I head to our Savannah office where I have a telephone town hall call throughout the First District to hear from constituents and answer their questions.

Wednesday, August 1, 2018: My day starts off in Pembroke in North Bryan County where I tour Pembroke Advanced Communications (PAC) to learn more about their business and the challenges of independent carriers. Telecommunications falls under the jurisdiction of the Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee that I serve on and assuring rural broadband availability is one of our primary initiatives. Next, I head to the southern part of Bryan County to meet with members of the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce to discuss tax reform.

Rep. Carter presents a flag in honor of Officer Joseph Lupus to his father Sergeant Mark Lupus

Afterwards, I head to Chatham Parkway in Savannah where I meet with First District members of the Georgia Broadcasters Association to discuss their issues and challenges. Again, as a member of the E&C Committee, this area falls under our jurisdiction and it is important for me to be familiar with their issues. Next, I head to the Savannah Police Department headquarters on Habersham Street where I present a flag flown over the Capitol in honor of Officer Joseph Lupus to his father Sergeant Mark Lupus. Officer Joseph Lupus recently passed while he and his father were both serving on the Savannah Police force. Afterwards, I head to the Tomochichi Federal Courthouse where, along with fellow Congressman Mark Sanford (R-SC), I participate in presenting the Congressional Badge of Bravery to the widow of fallen Deputy Commander Patrick Carothers, and U.S. Marshalls Ramiro Suarez, Robert Doherty and James Turner. These brave men were involved in apprehending a fugitive in Long County in 2016 when Deputy Commander Carothers was killed in the line of duty. After this solemn ceremony, I head down to Jekyll Island where I speak to the Georgia Sheriff’s Association at their annual convention and witness my good friend Savannah Attorney Steve Scheer receive the Meritorious Service Award.

Thursday, August 2, 2018: I’m in Darien in McIntosh County this morning where I tour the Darien Telephone Company as part of my telecommunications tour this week.

Rep. Carter discusses tax reform at Liberty Cycle Polaris

After a great meeting with Director of Operations David Stevens and other managers, I head to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynn County where I have the honor of speaking at the FLETC Honor Graduate of the Year Luncheon. This year’s honoree is National Security Agency Police Officer Shawn Mayer, who played college football at Penn State University and was a member of the 2003 Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots. My final stop today is in Hinesville in Liberty County as I tour the Liberty Cycle Polaris dealership and meet with owners John and Ken Jenkinson to discuss tax reform and what it has meant to their small business.