House Resolution 15

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING HARRISON COUNTY SHERIFF TROY J. PETERSON UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE HARRISON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AFTER 29 YEARS OF SELFLESS SERVICE.

WHEREAS, Harrison County Sheriff, Mr. Troy J. Peterson, an exemplary public servant, is retiring from the Harrison County Sheriff's Office, hanging up his gun and badge, after dedicating 29 years of illustrious service and devotion to the citizens of Harrison County and the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Peterson received his associate degree in criminal justice from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and furthered his education at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he received his bachelor of science degree in criminal justice; and

WHEREAS, before joining the Harrison County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Peterson was part of another elite fraternity of men and women in the United States Army, where he was an infantryman and served as a specialist and was assigned as the Unit Armorer, and he was stationed in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, from 1989 until 1992, where he conducted military operations primarily in the Asia Pacific Region; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Peterson joined the Harrison County Sheriff's Office in 1994 and served as a deputy in the Corrections and Patrol Divisions until he became a narcotics investigator in 1998; and

WHEREAS, for the next 10 years, he bravely conducted narcotics investigations as a member of the Narcotics Division, the Coastal Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, HIDTA Divisions, and as a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team operator, he participated in the disrupting and dismantling of drug organizations responsible for trafficking narcotics across the United States and into the southern region of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, in 2008, he was promoted to Captain Peterson, and became responsible for the daily operations of the Narcotics Division and CNET, including 24 sworn officers as well as civilian personnel, and he also attended the United States Drug Enforcement Drug Unit Commander Academy in Quantico, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Troy J. Peterson became the Sheriff of Harrison County in 2016, and through that role, he was responsible for daily operations at the Harrison County Sheriff's Office and the Harrison County Adult Detention Center; he managed a 26.7 million dollar budget; and he was responsible for legislative and governmental affairs, contributed to strategic planning and developed and maintained productive relationships with all levels of government; and

WHEREAS, as the head of the Harrison County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Peterson 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 Sheriff Peterson's career has been marked with notable accomplishments and awards, including the Law Enforcement Coordinator Lifetime Achievement Award by the Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers in 2019; the Service of Duty Award in 2008 and the HIDTA Office of the Year Award in 2019, both by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration; the Distinguished Service Award by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics in 2015; the Outstanding Narcotics Officer of the Year Award by the Harrison County Sheriff's Office in 1999; and the Army Achievement Medal by the United States Army in 1990 and 1991; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Peterson has also filled a number of leadership roles during his tenure, including serving on the Oversight Commission for Corrections as the Lieutenant Governor's appointment; Vice President of the Mississippi Sheriff's Association; Vice President of the Mississippi Association of Drug Enforcement Officers; and Commissioner of the Mississippi Wireless Communications Commission; and

WHEREAS, in his spare time, Sheriff Peterson is a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, OUPV Boat Captain and the Revelers Carnival Association; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Peterson has been an exceptional sheriff and meritorious leader to the people of the Harrison County Sheriff's Office 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 Harrison County Sheriff Troy J. Peterson, 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 Harrison County Sheriff Troy J. Peterson upon the occasion of his retirement from the Harrison County Sheriff's Office after 29 years of selfless service and extend heartiest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Sheriff Troy J. Peterson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.