Senate Resolution 65

A RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE SINCEREST SYMPATHY OF THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE TO THE SURVIVING FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF HINDS COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF MARTIN SHIELDS, JR., WHO DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY ON FEBRUARY 23, 2025, AND COMMENDING HIS LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER.

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we mourn the passing of Hinds County Deputy Sheriff Martin Shields, Jr., who died in the line of duty on February 23, 2025, while responding to a domestic call in Terry, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Deputy Shields had been employed with the Hinds County Sheriff's Office for approximately nine months, however, his law enforcement career was more extensive; and

WHEREAS, Deputy Martin Shields was loved and cherished by many people, including his wife, his 12-year-old daughter, and his parents, Martin Luther Shields, Sr., and Marcie Bolton Levy; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Tyree Jones wrote a heartfelt tribute to Deputy Shields, who experienced a last encounter with the Deputy shortly before his untimely death. "Deputy Shields died a hero. He died while responding to a call for service to assist someone in need. He fulfilled his assignment and his God-given mission on earth." Across social media, law enforcement agencies and elected officials have been offering condolences to the family, friends and coworkers of Deputy Shields; and

WHEREAS, we never can repay our debt to this officer and his family, but we must do what we can, with all that we have, to live our lives in a way that pays tribute to his memory. We should not remember to thank first responders and police officers only in the wake of tragedy. We should do it every day:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby extend the sincerest sympathy of the Mississippi Senate to the surviving family and friends of Hinds County Deputy Sheriff Martin Shields, Jr., who died in the line of duty on February 23, 2025, and commend his law enforcement career.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Hinds County Deputy Sheriff Martin Shields, Jr., forwarded to Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.