House Concurrent Resolution 96

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED AND MERITORIOUS LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER OF JACKSON POLICE CHIEF LEE VANCE UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, after more than 30 years of service as a veteran law enforcement officer with the City of Jackson Police Department, which included having served time as interim chief before being officially appointed as Chief Law Enforcement Officer for the City of Jackson by Mayor Tony Yarber in 2014, Chief Lee Vance entered into the long awaited fraternity of retirement on December 31, 2017; and

WHEREAS, having held several top positions within the department before being tapped for chief, Chief Vance's leadership at the helm of JPD, focused on forming a partnership with the community, signaling a high-point in true community-oriented policing as his and the department's "No. 1 priority"; and

WHEREAS, subsequent to his election as Mayor of the City of Jackson, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, hailed Chief Vance as "arguably the best chief in Jackson's history" at the time of his retirement; and

WHEREAS, as an individual with deep community ties, Chief Vance, who worked his way up the ranks from a 1987 recruit, to patrol officer, public information officer, patrol sergeant, lieutenant, Commander of the Internal Affairs Division, Interim Deputy Chief of Support Services, Commander of Precinct Two and Assistant Chief to three former chiefs, has demonstrated the utmost professionalism, ability and integrity, winning the unbridled respect and admiration of his colleagues, fellow officers, a grateful public and elected officials alike; and

WHEREAS, throughout his estimable career, Chief Vance exemplified the values of hard work, compassion, and devotion to his community that are characteristics of a true Jacksonian and diligent officer of the law; and

WHEREAS, as an officer of the law, Chief Vance unflinchingly faced danger on a daily basis and bravely put himself in risky situations with life-or-death consequences, so that the people of Jackson could rest comfortably in the knowledge that they are safe in their homes; and

WHEREAS, our state and country have been blessed with courageous law enforcement officers willing to sacrifice their personal safety and concerns to ensure the safety of our citizenry, and the Hospitality State is especially proud to claim Chief Vance as one of our own, who has performed above and beyond the call of duty throughout his tenure with the Jackson Police Department; and

WHEREAS, not only is it highly fitting and appropriate, but it is also the policy of this Legislature to honor the exemplary citizens of Chief Vance's esteemed caliber and selfless generosity, who have risked their lives to protect and preserve the public safety in every capacity of service:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the distinguished and meritorious law enforcement career of Jackson Police Chief Lee Vance upon the occasion of his retirement, and extend the best wishes of the Legislature for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Chief Lee Vance and to the members of the Capital Press Corps.