Bill Text: MS HC143 | 2011 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commissioner Chris B. Epps; commend dedicated service to MDOC and recent election as 102nd President of ACA.
Spectrum: Broadly Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2011-04-06 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HC143 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2011-HC143-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2011 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: The Entire Membership
House Concurrent Resolution 143
(As Adopted by House and Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING COMMISSIONER CHRISTOPHER B. EPPS ON HIS DEDICATED AND OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND UPON BEING THE LONGEST SERVING COMMISSIONER IN THE HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT AND UPON HIS RECENT ELECTION AS THE 102ND PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION.
WHEREAS, Commissioner Christopher Bernard Epps, acknowledged for his stellar and dedicated service to the Mississippi Department of Corrections, and bearing the most notable distinction of being the longest serving commissioner in the department's history has garnered national acclaim and respect of his peers, as evidenced by his election as the 102nd President of the American Correctional Association (ACA); and
WHEREAS, a native of Tchula, Mississippi, Commissioner Epps, knowing the importance of receiving an education, received his bachelor's degree in 1982 from Mississippi Valley State University and later received his master's degree in guidance and counseling from Liberty University in 2001; and
WHEREAS, a 29-year veteran of the correctional field after having embarked upon his career with the Mississippi Department of Corrections in 1982, Epps' extensive work ethic, knowledge, expertise and dedication to the Mississippi Department of Corrections allowed him to progressively scale the ladder of success and acquire ranking promotions, that were paramount to his appointment as commissioner of the department in 2002 by former Governor Ronnie Musgrove and subsequent reappointment in 2004 by the then newly elected Governor Haley Barbour; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Epps, as one who knows the importance of being active in his profession, where ideas are shared and implemented, is an active member of the following: Association of State Correctional Administrators (ASCA), where he serves on the Correctional Industries, Research & Technology, Re-entry & Community Corrections, Racial Issues and Program & Training Committees; the Southern States Correctional Association; and the American Correctional Association (ACA); and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Epps also serves on the following boards, committees and task force: Alcohol Services, Mississippi Prison Industries, Mississippi Drug Court Advisory Committee, Council of Advisors for the College of Public Service at Jackson State University, State Workforce Investment Board, Joint Terrorism Task Force, Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision, and as Chairman of the Mississippi Wireless Communications; and
WHEREAS, due to his public service, Commissioner Epps has received numerous awards, some of which are as follows: 2007 "Humanitarian of the Year" by the Mississippi Association of Professionals in Corrections and the 2000 and 2004 "Professional of the Year" by that same organization; the 2007 Distinguished Alumni Award from the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education; named one of the "50 Most Influential African Americans in Mississippi" by BlackMississippi.com; and the 2004 "Distinguished Public Service Award" by the University of Southern Mississippi's Department of Criminal Justice; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his multiple accolades and awards and his service to the department, Commissioner Epps is a man who loves and has served this country, selflessly rendering 24 years of valiant service to the Mississippi Army National Guard before he received an honorable discharge in March 2008 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, for which he has received the numerous awards, honors and meritorious commendations for his stellar military service career, including: Army Commendations Medal; Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon, Mississippi Medal of Efficiency; Mississippi War Medal; Mississippi Longevity Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; and the honorary title of the 2007 "Kentucky Colonel" by former Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher; and
WHEREAS, in his newfound capacity as President of the American Correctional Association, Commissioner Epps will head a major publishing operation of Corrections Today, the leading correctional publication, which is accompanied by over 300 other ACA publications, training curricula and videos; and
WHEREAS, a longtime beneficiary of ACA and its accreditation program, the State of Mississippi and the Mississippi Department of Corrections, under Commissioner Epps' astute leadership, has developed and enhanced institutional programs, agency operating procedures and overall safety, and became the 14th state recipient of the ACA Eagle Award on August 11, 2008; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend an outstanding public servant, such as Commissioner Chris Epps, whose vast contributions to the Department of Corrections, as its leader, has bestowed great pride upon the state's correctional system and has warranted national recognition for its excellence in leadership and operations:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Commissioner Christopher B. Epps on his outstanding service to the Mississippi Department of Corrections, upon being the longest serving commissioner in the history of the department, his recent election as the 102nd President of the American Correctional Association and extend best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Commissioner Christopher B. Epps, the Office of the Governor and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
