HONORING SHERRIF DARRIN MITCHELL

On 2026-01-16, Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING SHERRIF DARRIN MITCHELL" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, defense.

HONORING SHERRIF DARRIN MITCHELL

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 12 (Friday, January 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 12 (Friday, January 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E50-E51] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING SHERRIF DARRIN MITCHELL _____ HON. TONY GONZALES of texas in the house of representatives Friday, January 16, 2026 Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a distinguished public servant, veteran, and law enforcement leader-- Sheriff Darrin Mitchell--whose decades of service to our Nation and to the people of Texas exemplify duty, courage, and integrity. Darrin Mitchell began his service to the United States in January of 1985 when he enlisted in the United States Army as a Parachute Rigger. His first assignment placed him among some of our Nation's most elite warriors, serving with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Initially stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he continued his service when the unit relocated to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, during this period he supported critical missions and deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991--two of the most consequential military operations of the modern era. His work ensured that America's airborne forces remained supplied, prepared, and mission-ready in the harshest conditions. [[Page E51]] After receiving an honorable separation from the Army in 1994, Darrin Mitchell continued his commitment to public service by pursuing a career in law enforcement. He attended and graduated from the Permian Basin Regional Police Academy in 1995 and that same year joined the Winkler County Sheriff's Office, where he served with dedication until 2002. His call to serve then brought him to the Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration. From 2002 to 2009, he served as a Master Behavioral Detection Officer--one of TSA's most specialized roles--helping safeguard the traveling public in the years following the 9/11 attacks. In 2009, he returned to the Winkler County Sheriff's Office, first as a Correctional Officer, then as a Patrol Deputy in 2010. His leadership, professionalism, and investigative skill led to his promotion as Chief Investigator in 2012. When the sitting Sheriff retired in 2016, Darrin Mitchell stepped forward once again, running for office and earning the trust of the community he had served for so many years. He was elected Sheriff of Winkler County and has since continued to protect and lead with distinction. Mr. Speaker, Sheriff Darrin Mitchell represents the highest ideals of service--first in uniform defending our Nation, and later in law enforcement safeguarding his community. Today, we honor his enduring commitment and his exemplary career of service to Texas and the United States. ____________________