Senate Resolution 1

A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE LEGISLATURE ON THE LOSS OF BROOKHAVEN POLICE OFFICER CORPORAL WALTER ZACHERY MARSHALL MOAK IN THE LINE OF DUTY AND EXTENDING OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS BEREAVED FAMILY.

WHEREAS, Brookhaven Police Officer Corporal Walter Zachery Marshall Moak (31) of Bogue Chitto, Mississippi, passed away on September 29, 2018, while serving and protecting the people of Brookhaven, Mississippi, an event which saddened the State of Mississippi and the entire nation; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Moak was born on October 11, 1986, in McComb, Mississippi, to Walter Marshall Moak and Vicki Nations Moak. He served in law enforcement for the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and the Wesson Police Department, and for the last three years with the Brookhaven Police Department. He gave his life in the line of duty while helping his fellow officer (fulfilling John 15:35). He was always willing to put others first as he served the community that he loved; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Moak was a member of Wellman Baptist Church in Bogue Chitto, Mississippi. He enjoyed junking, making crafts, computers, collecting guns, helping others in his community and spending time with his family, especially his special niece, Avery Moak. He was a loving son, brother, nephew, uncle, officer and friend; 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 Officers Moak and White. The Mississippi Highway Patrol Honor Guard stood guard beside the officers' caskets and concluded with taps played and the rifle salutes at the graveside services. 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, it is the highest honor to support the Moak and White families in their time of loss. At these moments, words fall short as we try to make sense of the tragedy, but there are some things we know for certain, these officers are heroes, they gave their lives protecting and serving the citizens of Brookhaven and they will be honored and remembered for their sacrifice. We join our prayers with those of so many others in our state and across the nation as we ask God to bring healing, comfort and strength to these families and to all who are a part of the law enforcement community; and

WHEREAS, Walter was preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter and Lottie May Moak, and Wesley and Letha Mae Nations. Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Walter Marshall Moak and Vicki Nations Moak; brother, Chris Moak (Savanna); niece, Avery Moak; nephew, Evan Steed; and a host of family and friends; 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 every day:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby express the profound sorrow of the Legislature on the loss of Brookhaven Police Officer Corporal Walter Zachery Marshall Moak while on official duty and extend our deepest sympathy to his bereaved family.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Corporal Moak, forwarded to the Brookhaven Chief of Police and the Governor, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.