House Resolution 85

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED AND MERITORIOUS LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER OF CORINTH POLICE LIEUTENANT JERRY "TEN SPEED" BOYD UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, after more than 14 years of full-time law enforcement service with the City of Corinth Police Department, which was preceded by 23 years of service with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety as a Highway Patrolman, serving in various operations and administrative capacities, and ultimately his appointment as a lieutenant with the Corinth Police Department, Lieutenant Jerry "Ten Speed" Boyd will enter into the long awaited fraternity of retirement; and

WHEREAS, a Hernando native, Lieutenant Boyd, who is a decorated highway patrolman, initially joined the Mississippi Department of Public Service in 1980 after graduating Mississippi Highway Patrol School and subsequently devoted 23 years of meritorious service to the State of Mississippi as a state trooper stationed in Iuka before embarking upon his short-lived first retirement; and

WHEREAS, after only a few years, "Ten Speed," as he is most commonly referred to, decided once again to don the "Black and Blue" and respectfully reentered the law enforcement arena by joining the Corinth Police Department; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Boyd, a 1977 graduate of the University of Mississippi, holding a degree in public administration, became the first African-American law enforcement officer in Tishomingo County, and one of the first African-American state troopers in Northeast Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Boyd'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 serving and protecting the people and upholding the laws of the sworn oath taken, placed him on the trajectory of career success, which also complimented his 28-year career with the Mississippi National Guard, from which he retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; and

WHEREAS, in 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, Lieutenant Boyd has demonstrated the utmost professionalism, ability and integrity, earning the unbridled respect and admiration of his colleagues, fellow law enforcement officers, elected officials and a grateful public; and

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

WHEREAS, through the steadfast commitment of this giant of an individual, our state and nation have been blessed with courageous law enforcement officers willing to sacrifice their personal safety and concerns to ensure the safety of our citizenry, and the Hospitality State is especially proud to claim Lieutenant Boyd, who has performed above and beyond the call of duty throughout his tenure with the Corinth Police Department, as one of our own; and

WHEREAS, the former owner and proprietor of "Ten Speed's Barbecue," Lieutenant Boyd, who enjoys sporting events, fishing, and barbecuing, has enjoyed the constant unyielding support, encouragement, love and inspiration of his daughter, Gabby, and his one-year-old grandson, Khaden; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor exemplary citizens of Lieutenant Boyd'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 Corinth Police Lieutenant Jerry "Ten Speed" Boyd 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 Lieutenant Jerry "Ten Speed" Boyd and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.