WHEREAS, James P. McLaughlin, an esteemed law-enforcement officer with the Hanover County Sheriff's Office and beloved member of the Hanover County community, died on June 22, 2024; and

WHEREAS, James "Jim" P. McLaughlin served his country with honor and distinction as a member of the United States Army National Guard from 1975 to 1977; and

WHEREAS, Jim McLaughlin embarked upon his noble career in law enforcement as a reserve deputy with the Hanover County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) in 1984; and

WHEREAS, Jim McLaughlin was hired as a full-time deputy in 1994 and served as a patrol deputy on day and evening shifts before joining the Crisis Negotiation Team in 1996 and the Crime Prevention Unit in 1998, where he served the remainder of his career, earning every certification possible as a crime prevention specialist; and

WHEREAS, as a result of his professionalism, leadership, and hard work, Jim McLaughlin was promoted to the rank of sergeant in February 2021; and

WHEREAS, Jim McLaughlin additionally served as the executive officer of the HCSO's Mobile Command Post Team and was a member of its Search and Rescue Team; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his exemplary contributions to the Hanover community, Jim McLaughlin received several HCSO accolades over his career, including Meritorious Service awards in 2002 and 2009, the Dedication to Duty Award in 2002, and a nomination for Officer of the Year in 2005; and

WHEREAS, over his nearly 40-year career in law enforcement, Jim McLaughlin was presented 480 commendations for his professional and polite demeanor and steadfast work ethic; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his law-enforcement career, Jim McLaughlin also served the New Kent County community as a member of the Providence Forge Volunteer Fire Company and Rescue Squad; and

WHEREAS, Jim McLaughlin will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 21 years, Renee; his children, Chantal, Samantha, Christina, and Heather, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of James P. McLaughlin, a dedicated law-enforcement officer whose unwavering commitment to the Hanover County community made an impact on countless lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of James P. McLaughlin as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.