Bill Text: VA SJR403 | 2013 | Regular Session | Enrolled

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Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Roger Clark Cooke.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2013-03-05 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ403ER) [SJR403 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2013-SJR403-Enrolled.html

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SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 403 Celebrating the life of Roger Clark Cooke.   Agreed to by the Senate, February 7, 2013 Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 15, 2013  

WHEREAS, Roger Clark Cooke, the assistant chief of police and lead investigator for the City of Norton Police Department, died on December 25, 2012; and

WHEREAS, a dedicated employee and respected community member, Roger Cooke spent 25 years with the Westmoreland Coal Company; and

WHEREAS, after the company closed its Virginia operations, Roger Cooke embarked on a career in law enforcement, earning an associate's degree at Mountain Empire Community College and attending the regional law-enforcement academy; and

WHEREAS, in 1998, Roger Cooke joined the City of Norton Police Department, where he earned the respect of his colleagues and superiors with his calm demeanor, strong work ethic, and high standard of professionalism; and

WHEREAS, Roger Cooke forged strong relationships with community members, treating all individuals with respect and compassion while upholding and enforcing the law; and

WHEREAS, Roger Cooke was a strong advocate for local children and youth and took particular care to ensure their safety and well-being; and

WHEREAS, a minister at Wise Mountain Fellowship Baptist Church, Roger Cooke provided words of wisdom and inspiration to the congregation and to his fellow officers; and

WHEREAS, an upstanding citizen and excellent role model, Roger Cooke touched the lives of countless individuals over the course of his life; and

WHEREAS, Roger Cooke will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Rhonda; daughter, Penny, and her family, including granddaughter, Sierra; mother, Agnes; and many other family members, friends, and fellow officers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a respected law-enforcement officer and beloved citizen of Norton, Roger Clark Cooke; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Roger Clark Cooke as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.