MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2019 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Barnett, Turner-Ford, Horhn, Witherspoon, Simmons (12th), Butler, Simmons (13th), Norwood, Jackson (11th), Frazier, Jordan, Jackson (32nd), Blount, Blackmon, Blackwell, Caughman, DeBar
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE SYMPATHY OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE TO THE BEREAVED FAMILY OF LAUREL POLICE DEPARTMENT CHIEF OF POLICE TYRONE STEWART AND COMMENDING HIS LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE.
WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of Laurel Chief of Police Tyrone Stewart on January 28, 2019; and
WHEREAS, Chief Tyrone Stewart became a member of the Laurel Police Department on June 15, 1994. Since that time, he worked his way through the ranks and was assigned as the Chief of Police on May 28, 2011. During his seven-year tenure as Deputy Chief of Operations, his primary responsibilities included managing the day-to-day operations of the administrative resources: Patrol Division, Criminal Investigative Division, Internal Affairs and Narcotics Division. Over the past years, Stewart worked closely with six previous Chiefs of Police; and
WHEREAS, Chief Stewart's career was diversified and filled with accomplishments. Stewart worked in all areas of the department to include the uniform division and investigations. He has left a legacy in the Investigative Division where he was well-known for crime-solving for a period of 22 years. During that period, Stewart was instrumental in solving the State of Mississippi's first Federal Death Penalty case that went to trial in Jackson, Mississippi. Chief Stewart was known for solving homicides across South Mississippi, including the "Cookie Dean" case; and
WHEREAS, Chief Stewart received many commendations and awards from local, state and federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF. In 1996, Stewart was selected "Policeman of the Year" by his co-workers. Stewart received a commendation from Federal Judge William Barbour after a Federal Death Penalty Trial where two suspects received life without parole sentences for a double homicide/kidnapping case. In 2010, Stewart was nominated Chairman of Project Safe Neighborhoods by the Justice Department; and
WHEREAS, Chief Stewart graduated from Northeast Jones High School in 1989 and accepted a football scholarship to Alabama State University. Stewart majored in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. Stewart graduated from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Academy in 1994. He was married to Catrina Stewart, and they have two children, Jasmine (26) and Justin (22); and
WHEREAS, Tyrone was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother and uncle. He was a dedicated employee at the Laurel Police Department. Chief Stewart was very involved in his community and served on many organizations and boards. He loved people and never met a stranger. His kind, humble and gentle spirit was greatly admired by many; and
WHEREAS, Chief Tyrone Stewart leaves to cherish his loving memories: wife, Catrina Stewart; daughter, Jasmine Stewart; son, Justin Stewart; godson, Anthony Barnes, Jr.; his mother, Helen Stewart; sisters: Brenda (Andri) Weathersby, Carolyn (Claude) Thomas, and Shelia Dorsey; and brothers: Alvin (Bernice) Stewart, Earnest Stewart, Jr., and Kim (Mary) Stewart; and
WHEREAS, we can never repay our debt to 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 police officers only in the wake of tragedy, we should do it every day:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby extend the condolences of the Mississippi Legislature to the bereaved family of Laurel Police Department Chief of Police Tyrone Stewart, and commend his outstanding record of law enforcement service.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Laurel Chief of Police Tyrone Stewart, forwarded to the Laurel City Council, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.