MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2019 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Parks, Barnett, Jackson (32nd), Blackwell, Branning, Browning, Burton, Carmichael, Caughman, Chassaniol, Clarke, Dawkins, DeBar, Dearing, Fillingane, Frazier, Harkins, Jackson (11th), Jolly, Jordan, Kirby, Massey, McMahan, Parker, Polk, Seymour, Turner-Ford, Watson, Whaley, Wiggins, Wilemon, Witherspoon, Younger

Senate Concurrent Resolution 506

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE LEGISLATURE FOR MISSISSIPPI HIGHWAY PATROL TROOPER KENNETH JOSHLIN "JOSH" SMITH OF WALNUT, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXTENDING OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS BEREAVED FAMILY.

     WHEREAS, Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper Kenneth Joshlin "Josh" Smith (32) of Walnut, Mississippi, passed away on September 30, 2018, while serving and protecting the people of Tippah/Alcorn Counties, Mississippi, an event which saddened the State of Mississippi and the entire nation; and

     WHEREAS, Josh Smith, or as Chelsea lovingly referred to him as "Kenny," was a devoted father and husband.  He worked hard to provide for his family, making sure their needs were met before his own; and

     WHEREAS, Josh had been a respected officer with the Mississippi Highway Patrol since 2007.  He dedicated his talents to build his career working from Motorcycle Patrol to the Special Operations Group (SOG) unit and was a proud member of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team; and

     WHEREAS, Governor Phil Bryant, Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves, Speaker of the House Philip Gunn and other elected officials attended the funeral, along with the ranking brass of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and numerous other federal, state and local agencies.  "He is another fallen hero we tragically lost.  Please pray for his family and friends," Bryant said.  Strong contingencies were on hand from the Arkansas and Louisiana State Police, but almost every state was represented at Smith's funeral, officials said; and

     WHEREAS, while friends and family always held a fear of the unknown that comes with a career dedicated to serving others, Josh served fearlessly in whatever capacity he was needed to fill.  While he enjoyed many things in life, such as fishing and hunting with Bryson or drinking milkshakes and riding the Razor with his little girl, Lilly Poo, family was the most important thing in life.  Josh and Chelsea enjoyed life together no matter what they did.  When he was not serving others, he turned a hobby working on automobiles into a second career that he enjoyed with his wife; and

     WHEREAS, Governor Phil Bryant ordered State and American flags on public property flown at half-staff from sunrise October 1, 2018, until sunset October 4, 2018, to mourn the loss of Trooper Smith and Brookhaven Officers White and Moak.  The Mississippi Highway Patrol Honor Guard stood guard beside the Trooper's casket and concluded with taps played and the rifle salutes at the graveside service.  The Honor Guard is a team of troopers who travel the state to honor fallen law enforcement officers.  It is the greatest way to show honor for the ones who have sacrificed their life; and

     WHEREAS, while Josh leaves a void that will never be filled, the pride that his family and friends have for the outstanding man he was will carry on forever.  Those left to honor Josh's memory include his wife, Chelsea Smith; son, Bryson Lane Smith; daughter, Lilly Kate Smith; mother, Vickie Clark; father, James Smith (Mary); brothers:  Brandon Jones (Dana), Canon Hawkins (Dezaray) and McKenzie Clark (Bethanie); sisters:  Tonya Vick (Ricky), Sharee Carter (Dusty), Michelle Wilbanks and Kelly Smith; other brothers:  Josh Russell (Stacie), Tommy Garrett (Shelley) and Jesse James; other parents, Tim James (Kim); father-in-law, Randy Follin; sisters-in-law, Brandi Greene (Jimmy) and Melanie Brooks (Clint Horton); and other relatives and a host of friends.  He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Martha Lou and Marlin Jones; and mother-in-law, Robin Follin; and

     WHEREAS, we can never repay our debt to fallen law enforcement officers and their families, but we must do what we can, with all that we have, to live our lives in a way that pays tribute to their memory.  We should not pause and remember to thank law enforcement officers only in the wake of tragedy, we should do it everyday:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby express the profound sorrow of the Legislature for Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper Kenneth Joshlin "Josh" Smith of Walnut, Mississippi, and extend our deepest sympathy to his bereaved family.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Trooper Josh Smith, forwarded to the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol and the Governor, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.