MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2007 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Robinson (84th), McCoy, Bounds, Dickson, Eaton, Gregory, Holland, Horne, Hudson, Moore, Nicholson, Scott, Snowden, Stringer, Warren, Weathersby, Young

House Resolution 41

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING BILLY MURPHY UPON BEING SELECTED OFFICER OF THE YEAR FOR DISTRICT 4 OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS.

     WHEREAS, District 4 of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, which encompasses the counties of Clarke, Lauderdale, Jasper, Newton, Neshoba, Kemper, Smith and Simpson, bestowed its highest honor, "Officer of the Year," upon Billy Murphy of Quitman; and

     WHEREAS, Officer Murphy, a resident of Quitman, who has been employed with the department since July 2000, came to Clarke County from Tupelo after taking a job in District 4 in October 2000; and

     WHEREAS, acclimated for service of his fellowman and his state, Officer Murphy serves in the Air National Guard with the 238th Air Support Operation where he ranks as Major, boasting 15 years of guard service; and

     WHEREAS, Officer Murphy, a former member of the Mississippi Army National Guard also knows the meaning of sacrifice and selflessness as indicated by his service to this country in the United States Navy, serving two tours in the Persian Gulf in 1994 and 1996, and two tours in Iraq with the Guard in 2003 and 2005; and

     WHEREAS, for his valiant service and dedication to upholding the banner of freedom and democracy that we as citizens of this great state and nation accept as valuable life assets, Officer Murphy has been lauded with the following awards and commendations for his meritorious military service:  Navy and Marine Achievement Award (won twice, last awarded in 1997), Army Commendation Award (2001), Air Force Commendation Award (2002), Magnolia Medal (2003), Bronze Star (2003) and submitted for Bronze Star (2005); and

     WHEREAS, throughout his career, Officer Murphy has shared the support, respect and adoration of his family:  wife, Angela; and children, Zach and Kathryn; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the excellence and valor of our outstanding law enforcement personnel as Officer Murphy, who day after day protects the wildlife for the enjoyment of the citizens of our great state, and who would willingly take up arms to fight for the defense of this state and nation through his active military involvement:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Officer Billy Murphy upon his selection as the Officer of the Year for District 4 of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks and extend our warmest wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Officer Billy Murphy and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.