House Resolution 13

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING CHIEF PEGGY SEALY UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AS POLICE CHIEF OF THE HATTIESBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT.

WHEREAS, after 36 years of outstanding service and dedication to the City of Hattiesburg, Chief Peggy Sealy is retiring from her position as Police Chief of the Hattiesburg Police Department; and

WHEREAS, Chief Sealy was appointed as Hattiesburg's first female police chief in late 2020 by Mayor Toby Barker, and prior to her appointment, she served as assistant chief from 2017 until 2020; and

WHEREAS, throughout her distinguished career, Chief Sealy focused on recruitment and retention strategies, which resulted in the largest pay increase for sworn personnel in a decade, and she also continued a strong focus on community policing through summer youth programming, bike patrol and neighborhood meetings; and

WHEREAS, Chief Sealy further continued a departmental push for upgrades in the necessary technology to help the department solve crime more efficiently and effectively, and she also led the department through a transitionary move from Klondyke Street to its new $30 million Public Safety Complex at James Street and Hall Avenue; and

WHEREAS, throughout her career in law enforcement and public safety, Chief Sealy faced dangerous situations each day that demanded she put her life on the line, and each time the call came, she fearlessly and bravely rushed into perilous predicaments and responded to a variety of emergency events; and

WHEREAS, Chief Sealy has been well-loved by her community, and her indomitable grit, dexterous abilities and passionate determination will be dearly missed by all of her colleagues and others who were fortunate to have the opportunity to work with her and experience her greatness; and

WHEREAS, Chief Sealy will continue to lead the department through the end of January 2024, and afterwards, she plans to spend her days in retirement with her husband, retired police officer, Don Sealy, while making more time for family and traveling; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to pay tribute to great, heroic Mississippians such as Chief Sealy, whose outstanding leadership, dauntless fortitude and unwavering duty to protect and serve will always be remembered:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and commend Hattiesburg Police Chief Peggy Sealy for her distinguished career, meritorious leadership and outstanding service upon the occasion of her retirement, and extend sincere wishes for her continued success in her lighter days ahead.

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