House Resolution 16

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING CHIEF OF POLICE DAVID ELDRIDGE UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE KILMICHAEL POLICE DEPARTMENT AFTER 33 YEARS OF SELFLESS SERVICE.

WHEREAS, Kilmichael Police Department Chief of Police David Eldridge, an exemplary public servant, is retiring from the Kilmichael Police Department, hanging up his gun and badge, after dedicating 33 years of illustrious service and devotion to the citizens of the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Big Black Consolidated High School in Kilmichael, Mississippi, Chief Eldridge attended Holmes Junior College, where he studied auto mechanics, and he was co-owner of Eldridge Hardware during the 1970s and 1980s with his father and two brothers; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the hardware store, Chief Eldridge filled many different roles including serving as a charter member of the Kilmichael Volunteer Fire Department for over 50 years and continuing an active role with the department to this day; and

WHEREAS, in 1974, Chief Eldridge was elected justice of the peace in Montgomery County, Mississippi, a position he held for eight years until justices of the peace were transitioned to justice court judges, at which time he became one of the first justice court judges in Montgomery County, and occasionally held court in the hardware store and the downstairs bedroom of his home, where a couple was married late one night; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Kilmichael hired Chief Eldridge as a police officer in 1987, and as a graduate from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Academy, he has served the people of Kilmichael for over 33 years as the chief of police; and

WHEREAS, as the chief of police, Chief Eldridge faced dangerous, deadly situations every day that demanded he put his life on the line, but every time the call came, he fearlessly and bravely rushed into perilous predicaments and courageously fought the most threatening people, places and happenings to ensure safety for the citizens of Mississippi, who will be forever grateful for his intrepid, noble efforts; and

WHEREAS, the longevity of Chief Eldridge's career has been marked with notable accomplishments and endorsements, including being appointed by Governor Haley Barbour to the Minimum Standards Training Board and serving as the chaplain of the Mississippi Police Chief's Association; and

WHEREAS, throughout his illustrious career, Chief Eldridge was showered with loving support from his wife Frankie K. Floyd, the love of his life who he wed on February 7, 1968, and to whom he was married for 48 years until her passing in 2016, and his two children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Chief Eldridge has been an exceptional police chief and meritorious leader to the people of the Kilmichael Police Department and throughout this great state, and his indomitable grit, dexterous abilities and passionate determination will be dearly missed by all of his colleagues and others who were fortunate to have the privileged opportunity to work with him and experience his greatness; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to pay tribute to fine, heroic Mississippians such as Kilmichael Police Department Chief of Police David Eldridge, a man consumed with a selfless drive to help others and whose outstanding leadership, dauntless fortitude and unwavering duty to protect and serve the people of Mississippi are truly appreciated and will never be forgotten:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Chief of Police David Eldridge upon the occasion of his retirement from the Kilmichael Police Department after 33 years of selfless service and extend heartiest wishes for success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Chief David Eldridge and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.