Senate Resolution 50

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER AND COMMUNITY SERVICE OF COLONEL CHRIS GILLARD UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE MISSISSIPPI HIGHWAY SAFETY PATROL.

WHEREAS, after 26 years of service, Colonel Chris Gillard announces his retirement from the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol effective June 30, 2020. Gillard was appointed to serve as Assistant Commissioner of Public Safety and Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol Colonel over the state's largest law enforcement agency in February 2016; and

WHEREAS, prior to his appointment as Colonel, Gillard served in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel as Director of the Driver Service Bureau. Over the years he served as Director of Training, Executive Officer to the Commissioner of Public Safety, Governor's Executive Protection Detail, Drug Trafficking Interdiction Officer, and Highway Safety Patrol Recruiter; and

WHEREAS, after an injury set him back during his first attempt at Patrol School, he was determined to go back and graduate in the next class offered, which was Cadet Class 49, in 1994. That positive willpower served him well throughout his career at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, as he worked hard to be a role model, hoping others would follow in his footsteps; and

WHEREAS, "I would like to thank the men and women of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol, along with the employees of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, who worked under my direction as Colonel and Assistant Commissioner. We are blessed to have a great team of dedicated public servants who will continue working hard to protect the citizens of our great state. I am especially thankful for the support and prayers over the years from my wife, mother, family and friends who encouraged me along the way"; and

WHEREAS, Colonel Gillard has been recognized throughout his career in law enforcement and in his community as a member of the DUI 100 Club (1994-1996), Outstanding Trooper of the Year (1997), Mississippi's 25 Most Influential African-Americans by Our Mississippi Magazine (2019) and Mississippi Trailblazer of the Year (2019); and

WHEREAS, "Colonel Gillard has been a strong leader within the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and a brave public servant within the Mississippi Highway Patrol, dedicated to making Mississippi a better and safer place for all who call our great state home. Never letting anything sideline his commitment to protect his fellow Mississippians, it has been an honor to work with him over the years. Colonel Gillard leaves behind an impressive legacy, and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors," said Governor Tate Reeves; and

WHEREAS, when asked about his legacy, Colonel Gillard wants people to know that anything is possible with a strong faith in God and the willful determination to never give up pursuing one's goals. In his retirement, he will continue mentoring young people and providing inspiration. Through his testimony regarding a kid who grew up in government housing, he aspired to fulfill a dream to serve and protect others, never knowing that it would lead him here today; and

WHEREAS, his legacy is a strong and safe Mississippi, and for this and a career of selfless service, a grateful state thanks him and his family:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize the law enforcement career and community service of Colonel Chris Gillard upon the occasion of his retirement from the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol, and extend to Colonel Gillard and his family our best wishes for future successes.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Colonel Chris Gillard, forwarded to Sean Tindell, the Commissioner of Public Safety, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.