House Resolution 101

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED AND MERITORIOUS FIREFIGHTER CAREER OF IUKA FIRE CHIEF BRIAN RAY GRISSOM UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, after 29 years of full-time firefighter service with the City of Iuka Fire Department, which was preceded by two years of part-time service with the department, serving in various operations and administrative capacities, and ultimately his appointment as Fire Chief of Iuka Fire Department in 2001, Chief Brian Ray Grissom will enter into the long awaited fraternity of retirement; and

WHEREAS, a decorated fireman, who initially joined the Iuka Fire Department in 1989 before making the transition to full-time employment with the department in 1991, Chief Grissom made inroads as a distinguished fire and rescue personnel member when he became the first firefighter in Tishomingo County to become 1001 certified at the Mississippi Fire Academy; and

WHEREAS, Chief Grissom's decision to become a public servant who would face heightened risks of harm to his own life and safety when on duty to address inherently adverse dangers of responding to uncertainty of each fire and rescue call, placed him on the trajectory of chieftainship; and

WHEREAS, an exhibition of stalwart leadership in the various roles he was assigned during his tenure with the department, along with being equipped with a robust educational background and certified training, Grissom received the esteemed honor of being promoted to Chief of the Iuka Fire Department in 2001, after only ten years of full-time firefighting duties; and

WHEREAS, as an individual with deep community ties, Chief Grissom has demonstrated the utmost professionalism, ability and integrity, earning the unbridled respect and admiration of his colleagues, fellow firemen, elected officials and a grateful public through his affiliation with various professional, civic and community-minded organizations, including: Northeast Vice President of the Mississippi Fire Chief's Association; Floodplains and Zoning Administrator for the City of Iuka; member of the board for the Boys and Girls Club; member of the board for the Iuka Heritage Festival Foundation; and as a board member of the Iuka First United Pentecostal Church; and

WHEREAS, throughout his estimable career, Chief Grissom exemplified the values of hard work, compassion, and devotion to his community that are characteristic of the diligence of a true public servant; and

WHEREAS, our state and country have been blessed with courageous firefighters 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 Grissom, who has performed above and beyond the call of duty throughout his tenure with the Iuka Fire Department, as one of our own; and

WHEREAS, throughout the duration of his tenure with the City of Iuka Fire Department, Chief Grissom has enjoyed the constant overwhelming support, encouragement, love and inspiration of his wife of 31 years, Christy Embrey Grissom, and their three sons, Alex, Reily and Connor; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor exemplary citizens of Chief Grissom'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, That we do hereby commend the distinguished and meritorious career of Iuka Fire Chief Brian Ray Grissom upon the occasion of his retirement and extend best wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Fire Chief Brian Ray Grissom and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.