OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Congratulating Judge Colie Nichols on His Retirement

Date: Nov. 18, 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Judicial Branch


CONGRATULATING JUDGE COLIE NICHOLS ON HIS RETIREMENT -- (Extensions of Remarks - November 18, 2004)

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Judge Colie Nichols, Jr., on his retirement from the Santa Rosa County Courthouse.

Colie Nichols was born in Graceville, Florida on February 5, 1935 to the proud parents Colie, Sr. and Gladys Nichols. In 1955, he married Freida King and had three children, Rod, Stan, and Garth. After earning his Bachelor's of Science degree at Florida State University in 1959, Colie went on to become a probation and parole supervisor for the next eight years.

In 1973 Governor Reuben Askew appointed Colie Nichols for County Judge, and for the last thirty years Judge Nichols has been a fixture on the bench. Since 1982 he has been re-elected without opposition and now a state age limitation for judges is forcing the 69-year-old to retire this year.

His retirement is the ending of an era, an era in which any profession could be a means into the judicial sector. Judge Nichols was not an attorney, yet excelled at providing justice for all in his courtroom.

Even though Judge Nichols was busy as an overseer of justice, he also remained active in his community. He was a member of the Governor's Advisory Committee on Criminal Justice, a member of Alcoholism Rehabilitation Advisory Subcouncil, First Vice-President of the Florida Conference of County Judges, President of the Milton Lions Club, President of the United Way of Santa Rosa County, and many other educational and community centered organizations.

Today, I salute a man who has dedicated his life to protecting freedom, ensuring liberty, and defending the principles of this country. His exemplary service has guaranteed that the United States will continue to prosper as the world's greatest nation.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to congratulate Judge Colie Nichols, Jr. on his retirement and wish him many more years of success and happiness.

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