HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 12
(By Delegate Walker)



Expressing the sense of the Legislature that designating the annual observance of March 31 as "West Virginia State Trooper Day" will appropriately honor the West Virginia State Police and our state troopers and, in addition, serve to increase the awareness and understanding of the West Virginia State Police and our state troopers' contributions to the daily fabric of our lives and sacrifices to theirs and their families.
     whereas, On March 31, 1919, the then Governor John Jacob Cornwall signed an act into law creating the West Virginia State Police; and
     whereas, The effective date of the West Virginia State Police was June 29, 1919; and
     whereas, The West Virginia State Police is recognized as the fourth oldest State Police Agency in the United States; and
     whereas, The West Virginia State Police has changed throughout its years of existence both in terms of name and function; and
     whereas, The original name of the West Virginia State Police was the West Virginia Department of Public Safety, however, after a period of time, most citizens referred to the department as the "State Police" though not its official name; and
     whereas, During the 1989 Regular Legislative Session, the West Virginia Department of Safety grew to encompass more that just the "State Police" and, at that time, the "State Police" became the Department of Public Safety; and
     whereas, During the 1995 session, the "State Police" was, at long last, officially changed to the West Virginia State Police; and
     whereas, The role of the West Virginia State Police has expanded over the years to satisfy the needs of the state in areas of safety, crime, investigations, traffic regulation and others; and
     whereas, Despite its turbulent beginnings back in 1919 and its fluctuating budget and police-count over the years, the West Virginia State Police has managed to satisfy its growing duties with dedication, efficiency and professionalism; and
     whereas, State troopers are first responders to calls for help in a variety of emergencies, ranging from crimes, floods, fires, snow storms, hazardous materials spills and wrecks, to lost children and beloved pets in need of rescue; and
     whereas, State troopers are at the forefront in the state's war against drugs, spending long hours in often dangerous circumstances; and
     whereas, State troopers frequently risk their lives to protect the lives and property of their fellow citizens; and
     whereas, The hardships, dangers and long hours away from home endured by our State Police cause loving family members to bear many sacrifices and hardships; therefore, be it
     Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
     That March 31 be designated as "West Virginia State Trooper Day"; and, be it
     Further Resolved, That the Governor is hereby requested to take suitable public notice of this day in honor, recognition and appreciation of all West Virginia State Police and their families; and, be it
     Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Governor of West Virginia and to the Superintendent of the West Virginia State Police.