House Resolution 5

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MAJOR DAVID GIST UPON HIS RETIREMENT AND HONORING HIS 36 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, after a total of 36 years of exemplary service to the State of Mississippi, Major David Gist retired from law enforcement in December 2025, marking the end of a career but cementing a legacy of honor, courage, professionalism and steadfast commitment to the safety and well being of the citizens of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Major Gist was born on January 5, 1967, in Würzburg, Germany, to Mr. Eligh Harold Gist and the late Barbara Jean Gist, and from the very start, Major Gist's life was intertwined with duty and dedication, as his father was serving in the United States Army at the time of his birth; and

WHEREAS, in 1978, the Gist family made Tishomingo County their home, planting deep roots that would shape Major Gist's future, and he graduated from Iuka High School in 1985, where he learned the value of integrity, perseverance and respect — qualities that would guide him throughout his career; and

WHEREAS, Major Gist graduated from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Academy in May 1992, beginning a career that would span more than three decades, multiple agencies and various leadership roles across the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, from 1992 to 1994, Major Gist dutifully served the citizens of Tishomingo County in the Tishomingo County Sheriff's Department before joining the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Law Enforcement, where he was responsible for transportation safety and enforcement; and

WHEREAS, though his path led him to the Mississippi Public Service Commission in 1999, Major Gist returned to MDOT Law Enforcement in 2004; and

WHEREAS, a testament to his deep sense of responsibility and unimpeachable character, Major Gist's immense leadership skills were recognized in 2014 when he was promoted to Captain, and again in 2021, when he earned the rank of Major and took command of Special Operations, entering a role that demanded experience, steadiness and the trust of those he led; and

WHEREAS, Major Gist is a devoted family man and the proud father of two sons, Corey Gist and Ethan Harold Gist, and for the past 18 years, he has shared his life with his wife, Stacy, building a home grounded in love, faith and unwavering support; and

WHEREAS, though Major Gist has embarked on a new journey into retirement, the impact of his service and sacrifice will continue to be felt in the lives he touched, the officers he guided, and the citizens he protected; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippians, especially those such as Major David Gist, whose years of dedicated service and impeccable leadership have greatly enriched his community, bringing honor to the entire State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Major David Gist upon the occasion of his retirement, extend deepest gratitude for his decades of distinguished service to our state, and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Major David Gist and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.