House Resolution 3

A RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE GALLANT SERVICE AND COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CORPORAL WALTER ZACHERY "ZACH" MOAK, OF THE BROOKHAVEN POLICE DEPARTMENT, WHO WAS LOST IN THE LINE OF DUTY ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2018, AND EXPRESSING SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worked for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Walter Zachery "Zach" Moak, to rest eternally, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the community of Brookhaven, Mississippi, lost a wonderful friend, true public servant with the passing Corporal Walter Zachery "Zach" Moak on Saturday, September 29, 2018, in service to the citizens of Brookhaven, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of one who has been called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Moak, a native of McComb, Mississippi, was born on October 11, 1986, to Walter Marshall Moak and Vicki Nations Moak, and graduated from Enterprise Attendance Center before studying auto-mechanics at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, and possessed a zeal for life that was complimented by his personal determination to do his best in any endeavor undertaken, particularly putting others before himself in service of his community and fellowman, as evidenced by the sacrifice of his life in assisting his fellow officer in fulfillment of John 15:13 - "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."; and

WHEREAS, prior to joining the brothers in blue at the Brookhaven Police Department in June 2015, Corporal Moak served with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and the Wesson Police Department and valiantly assumed the selflessness of a hero when using his life as a shield to protect the lives of others through the payment of the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, having extended himself to persevere above and beyond the call of duty, Corporal Moak was described by Brookhaven Mayor Joe Cox as "a guardian of our city who served and sacrificed for a far greater purpose than himself. A courageous man of character who knew God had a calling on his life to serve and protect others."; and

WHEREAS, an officer and a gentleman who has laid down his flag and staff of battle to unite with the legions of Heaven's guardians who will be led in procession by his grandparents Walter and Lottie May Moak and Wesley and Letha Mae Nations, Corporal Moak will be sorely missed by those who experienced the depth of his love, commitment and compassion for life and pursuit of freedom for all, but the legacy of his memory will forever be etched in the hearts and memories of his survivors, including: his parents, Walter and Vicki Moak; brother, Chris Moak (Savanna); niece, Avery Moak; nephew, Evan Steed; and a host of other relatives, friends and brothers and sisters in uniform; and

WHEREAS, counted among Mississippi's and Brookhaven's heroes, committed to safety, security and the preservation of peace, the State of Mississippi shares the sentiment that to a country, a fallen officer means a national loss; to a community, a fallen officer means a true hero; to a child, spouse or parent, a fallen officer means a loved one who will not be coming home; and

WHEREAS, we encourage the family to find solace from the overwhelming sadness created by the earthly departure of their beloved family member and be renewed in their faith that Corporal Moak fulfilled the purpose of his appointed time in adherence to the commandment of II Timothy 4:7, by having "fought a good fight, finishing his course and keeping the faith until the hour of his departure was at hand"; and

WHEREAS, Mississippians understand the costs of conflict, because we have paid them in the past, and it is with great pride and humility that we recognize the heroic action of this great Mississippian, as evidenced by the life and merits of Corporal Moak, whose gift to this state was the ultimate sacrifice of life in order that peace and prosperity abound for all citizens of the great State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby remember the gallant service and commend the life and personal sacrifice of Corporal Walter Zachery "Zach" Moak of the Brookhaven Police Department, and extend deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Corporal Moak and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.