Senate Resolution 93

A RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE LEGACY OF WILLIE JOHNSON AS THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN FIRE CHIEF OF STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, as part of Mississippi's Black History Month Celebration, we remember the legacy of Chief Willie Johnson, who was appointed to the position of Starkville, Mississippi, Fire Chief by the Starkville Board of Aldermen on November 30, 1988; and

WHEREAS, Willie Johnson was the first African American to hold the position of Fire Chief in Starkville's history; and

WHEREAS, Johnson won the appointment on a 6-1 vote of Aldermen. He was selected from two internal applicants for the position. The dissenting vote was from a concern for Mr. Johnson over a decrease in salary he would take, as he had served with the rank of Assistant Fire Chief with the department and held a second position as Director of Emergency Medical Services at Oktibbeha County Hospital from which he had to leave in order to assume the full-time position; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson was proud to accept the first-time position, stating that his personal finances were of no concern. He was very happy upon learning of the appointment as he accepted congratulations from supporters. "It's going to be a big job but I feel confident I can handle it," Johnson said at the time; and

WHEREAS, at the time of his interview for the position, Johnson was armed with proposals and a clear-cut sense of the direction which he wished to see the department progress. The duties of fire chief have never been more extensive than they were at the time, with the department's involvement in a number of ongoing projects such as the implementation of the 911 Emergency Communications Service and planning for hazardous materials emergency response; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson's goal was to shift the department's emphasis toward fire prevention education and community service, with training officer funds shifting to hire an assistant for fire inspector to increase ongoing fire prevention education efforts and public relations-oriented programs, including smoke detectors for senior citizens and young people programs. He also established an agreement with the local hospital, where all firefighters become certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) annually and CPR training is offered free of charge to senior citizens and low-income residents in the community. Mr. Johnson has implemented a personnel administration for step promotions for departmental-required tenure and Fire Academy courses. "One thing's for sure, I won't be sitting behind a desk," he said; and

WHEREAS, Willie Johnson was a great choice for Starkville's Fire Chief as he modernized the department, and it is with great pride that we recognize the contributions of this dedicated public servant who has brought honor to his department, his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby remember the legacy of Willie Johnson as the first African American Fire Chief of Starkville, Mississippi, and join the citizens of Starkville in paying tribute to his service.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Willie Johnson and his family, forwarded to the Starkville Board of Aldermen, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.