Bill Text: MS HC22 | 2016 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Sgt. Leroy Williams; commend and congratulate upon winning the Top Cop award.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-1)
Status: (Passed) 2016-02-12 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HC22 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2016-HC22-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Monsour, Denton, Dixon
House Concurrent Resolution 22
(As Adopted by House and Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING SERGEANT LEROY WILLIAMS UPON WINNING THE TOP COP AWARD.
WHEREAS, Warren County's Sergeant Leroy Williams has touched the lives of thousands of people in the nearly 40 years he has served as a law enforcement officer and at the 10th annual Police Officers' Memorial Day program in Jackson, Mississippi, he was finally recognized for his years of distinguished service with the Top Cop award; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi's observation of Peace Officers' Week of 2015 started on Monday, May 11, 2015, and coincided with National Police Week, set aside by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, which honors current police officers and mourns the loss of the 140-160 officers who are killed in the line of duty each year; and
WHEREAS, the 2015 Police Memorial and Top Cop Luncheon was held at the Mississippi Trade Mart and has been organized for the past nine years by the nonprofit, Mississippi Center for Police and Sheriffs; and
WHEREAS, a most deserving public servant, Sergeant Williams earned the Top Cop award due to his dedication to law enforcement, as evidenced by his storied career, which began with the Vicksburg Police Department in 1976, before retiring in 1996 as a lieutenant over traffic division; and
WHEREAS, only able to leave his devotion to the field for two years, he returned to work in the Warren County Sheriff's Department at the request of the sheriff, an offer Sergeant Williams was unable to refuse; and
WHEREAS, a 64-year-old hero who is only able to work in this dangerous profession through the support of his beloved wife, Dianne, Sergeant Williams has often stated that: "If you really want to work and stay in one job, you've got to be as devoted to it as you are to your wife"; and
WHEREAS, as evidenced by Sergeant Williams' relationship with both his wife and his calling, he has truly been devoted to Dianne who has stood by him through thick and thin, even when he would be required to wake late at night, grab a cup of coffee and head into the field because duty called him to serve; and
WHEREAS, the vocation has not exclusively been risk and fatigue, Sergeant Williams has been a mainstay at parades, special events and directing traffic at funerals; and
WHEREAS, unable to venture out publicly without starting a dynamic conversation with passersby, it is obvious that everyone in the community knows and loves Sergeant Williams, but none know him better than the Miss Mississippi contestants for whom he provides protective services during their entire week stay at the Miss Mississippi Pageant in Vicksburg, and from their parade to their autograph party, Sergeant Williams leads the law enforcement escort; and
WHEREAS, although Sergeant Williams specializes in accident investigation and traffic management, he has always made himself available to the public; a perfect example of community policing, he can be seen at most community events, including at the Salvation Army First Responders Breakfast on the anniversary of
9-11 where he praised the charity for their hard work and service; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Williams continues in a dynasty of law enforcement, following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother who have all served, expressing that no matter which route he took, his life always redirected to wearing a badge and a gun to serve; and
WHEREAS, on May 14, 2015, Sergeant Williams attended the Police Memorial Day Top Cop Luncheon that included memorial services, a singing of the national anthem, prayers for fallen officers' families, the stars and stripes waving and, of course, honoring local community hero Top Cops; and
WHEREAS, the Top Cop award is not only a statewide function, but a national Top Cop event was also held where Vice President Joe Biden spoke to the nation and even directly to Mississippi, honoring police officers for the risks they take and the unshakeable and undeniable responsibility the nation has to peace officers in return; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize the accomplishments and service of such amazing leaders and public servants as Sergeant Leroy Williams who has dedicated his life to the State of Mississippi, family and service to his community:
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 Sergeant Leroy Williams on honoring and continuing to serve Vicksburg and Mississippi by earning the Top Cop award and extend the heartiest wishes for his success in all of his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Sergeant Leroy Williams and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
