MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2021 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Anderson (122nd), Williams-Barnes, Anderson (110th), Barton, Bennett, Busby, Crawford, Eure, Felsher, Guice, Gunn, Haney, Hobgood-Wilkes, Ladner, McKnight, Patterson, Read, Zuber
A RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE GALLANT SERVICE AND COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PATROLMAN MICHAEL ANTHONY BOUTTE, SR., OF THE HANCOCK COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, LOST IN THE LINE OF DUTY ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2021, AND EXPRESSING SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.
WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worked for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Michael Anthony Boutte, Sr., to rest eternally, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Hancock and Pearl River Counties, particularly the community of Carriere, Mississippi, lost a wonderful friend, true public servant and decorated United States Air Force veteran with the passing of Deputy Lieutenant Michael Anthony Boutte, Sr., on Monday, February 1, 2021, in service to the citizens of Hancock County, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of one who has been called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Lieutenant Boutte, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, was born on August 26, 1963, to Mr. James Boutte and the late Mrs. Alma Andrews, and possessed a zeal for life that was complimented by his personal determination to do his best in any endeavor undertaken, whether in the aid and assistance of others or the betterment of himself, which was made evident in his decision to join the United States Air Force after graduating from New Orleans' McDonough High School in 1981, a decision that directed the path of his first assignment to Barksdale Air Force Base, the same base to which his son and namesake, Michael, Jr., would later be assigned as his first duty station; and
WHEREAS, having been deployed during Operation Desert Storm, Deputy Lieutenant Boutte concluded his active military service in 1992, and commenced his career in law enforcement in Grand Rapids, South Dakota, upon attending and completing training at the South Dakota Law Enforcement Training Center, and subsequently served as a founding member of the City of Federal Way Department of Public Safety in Federal Way, Washington, after attending the Washington State Criminal Justice Center in 1996; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Lieutenant Boutte, who relocated to Mississippi in 2012 to join the ranks of the Picayune Police Department before becoming a member of the Hancock County Sheriff's Department in 2016, was a man of integral character dedicated to the cause of serving others who did not cower in fear when facing the most adverse of conditions, and valiantly assumed the selflessness of a hero when using his life as a shield to protect the lives of others through the payment of the ultimate sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Lieutenant Boutte extended himself to persevere above and beyond the call of duty, honor and loyalty to the United States, which he so fervently held sacred throughout the performance of his duties as an esteemed South Dakota, Washington and Mississippi sworn law enforcement officer; and
WHEREAS, an officer and a gentleman who has laid down his flag and staff of battle to unite with the legions of Heaven's guardians after receiving a kindred spirit's embrace from his previously departed mother, Mrs. Alma Andrews, Deputy Lieutenant Boutte will be sorely missed by those who experienced the depth of his love, commitment and compassion for life and pursuit of freedom for all, yet the legacy of his memory will forever be etched in the hearts and memories of his survivors, including: his wife, Jennifer "Jen" Mann-Boutte; children, Jessica Boutte and Michael Anthony Boutte, Jr. (Brittany); seven grandchildren, Madison, Roscoe, Elionora, Michael III, Makensie, Aryah and Barrett; stepdaughter, Alexis; father, James Boutte; siblings, David Boutte, Wendy Boutte, Mark Andrews, Anita Camp, Anitra Newton and Nina Boutte; father-in-law, Ron Kidner; and a host of other relatives, friends and brothers and sisters in uniform; and
WHEREAS, counted among Mississippi's and Hancock County's heroes, committed to our national and local safety and security, the State of Mississippi shares the sentiment that to a country, a fallen officer symbolizes a national loss; to a community, a fallen officer symbolizes a true hero; to a child, spouse or parent, a fallen officer symbolizes a loved one who will not return home; and
WHEREAS, we encourage the family to find solace from the overwhelming sadness created by the earthly departure of their beloved family member and be renewed in their faith that Deputy Lieutenant Boutte fulfilled the purpose of his appointed time in adherence to the commandment of II Timothy 4:7, by having "fought a good fight, finishing his course and keeping the faith until the hour of his departure was at hand"; and
WHEREAS, Mississippians understand the costs of conflict, because we have paid them in the past, and it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize, with great pride and humility, the heroic actions of this great American and Mississippian, as evidenced by the life and merits of Deputy Lieutenant Boutte, whose gift to this nation and state was the ultimate sacrifice of life in order that peace and prosperity abound for all citizens of the great State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby remember the gallant service and commend the life and personal sacrifice of Deputy Lieutenant Michael Anthony Boutte, Sr., of the Hancock County Sheriff's Department, and extend deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Deputy Lieutenant Boutte and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.