MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Cameron, Bailey, Bozeman, Capps, Green (96th), Miller, Straughter, Thornton, Wallace

House Concurrent Resolution 94

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF HARVEY TACKETT AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING. 

WHEREAS, Sheriff Harvey Tackett of Greenville, Mississippi, an invaluable legacy to law enforcement, departed this life on April 5, 1997, causing great loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, born in Delta City, Mississippi, on September 30, 1928, Sheriff Tackett was raised in Hollandale and graduated from Hollandale High School in 1947; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Tackett attended Mississippi Delta Junior College and Delta State University as well as serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1946-1950; and

WHEREAS, following his service in the Marine Corps, Sheriff Tackett returned to the Delta and joined the Greenville Police Department in 1950; and

WHEREAS, while serving with the Greenville Police Department, Sheriff Tackett attended and graduated from the FBI National Academy; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Tackett loyally served the department for 21 years retiring at the rank of Captain, following his election and swearing in on January 1, 1972, as sheriff of Washington County; and

WHEREAS, holding the record for a Mississippi sheriff to serve the most consecutive terms in office, Sheriff Tackett, who was unopposed in his last election, was in his seventh term at the time of his passing; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Tackett's many accomplishments throughout his career are near legendary and continue to have a wide-ranging impact on law enforcement in the area; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Tackett helped organize and form the Central Delta Drug Task Force, a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that began operation in 1990, and authorized and oversaw the formation of the Sheriff's Rescue Unit, which provides emergency search and rescue services in the county; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Tackett also was instrumental in the formation of the Washington County Anti-Drug Task Force and Community Partnership which is now headed by one of his former deputies; and

WHEREAS, in 1983, Sheriff Tackett was presented the Liberty Bell Award, which is presented annually by the Washington County Bar Association to the citizen who Washington County attorneys agree represents the American ideals of freedom, justice and democracy; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Tackett is survived by his lovely wife of 39 years, the former Mary Whittington, his son, Harvey Tackett, Jr., his daughter, Janie Janous and four grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of Mississippi finds it most appropriate to pay special tribute to such an outstanding Mississippian as Sheriff Harvey Tackett, a man of integrity who built and ran a first-rate police department:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That the life and accomplishments of Sheriff Harvey Tackett are hereby memorialized for the State of Mississippi as a true example of a remarkable and dedicated citizen whose long and distinguished career epitomizes a life rich in achievement and service to fellowman.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Legislature does hereby express and extend our heartfelt sympathy to the devoted wife and family of Sheriff Harvey Tackett for their loss.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Sheriff Harvey Tackett and the Capitol Press Corps.