House Resolution 38

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING LIEUTENANT JAMES RUSSELL UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE SOUTHAVEN POLICE DEPARTMENT AND COMMENDING HIM FOR THIRTY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE PROTECTING THE CITIZENS OF THE SOUTHAVEN COMMUNITY.

WHEREAS, after protecting the citizens of Southaven for thirty years as a dedicated law enforcement officer, Lieutenant James Russell, a revered and invaluable member of the Southaven Police Department retired on December 31, 2024; and

WHEREAS, he began his career in the patrol division with the Southaven Police Department in 1995, and worked diligently in the patrol division until 1999, when he earned a position as detective in the traffic division; and

WHEREAS, he worked as a detective until 2001, when he was pulled away to serve the citizens of the United States when he was deployed with the United States Army from 2001 through 2004; and

WHEREAS, upon returning from deployment to the Southaven Police Department in 2004, he was assigned to the Patrol Division where he worked until 2007, when he earned a position with the Fugitive Division, and worked there until 2009, when he was promoted to Lieutenant; and

WHEREAS, since earning his stripes as Lieutenant, he has held the title in a number of roles including Patrol Lieutenant from 2009 through 2014, Public Relations/School Resource Lieutenant from 2014 through 2016; and

WHEREAS, in 2016, due to his impressive work ethic and steadfast attention to detail, he was assigned to the Support Services Division as the fleet coordinator, and was responsible for overseeing the purchasing and maintenance of the police department's fleet of vehicles; and

WHEREAS, although his absence will be felt, his professional legacy of hard work, positivity and earnest dedication have left a lasting mark on the Southaven Police Department; and

WHEREAS, his contributions in supporting the department's mission to keep Southaven safe were immensely respected and appreciated by his peers as well as the citizens of Southaven; and

WHEREAS, it is most appropriate to honor the contributions of public servants whose unwavering commitment to the safety of Mississippians is priceless:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Lieutenant James Russell for thirty years of dedicated service protecting the citizens of Southaven, congratulate him upon his retirement from the Southaven Police Department, and wish him many years of success in his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Lieutenant James Russell, the Southaven Police Department and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.