House Resolution 90

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING CHIEF CLAY GARVIN OF THE DECATUR POLICE DEPARTMENT UPON THE SPECIAL OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, Mr. Clay Garvin, Chief of the Decatur Police Department, is being honored and celebrated upon the special occasion of his retirement, effective March 31, 2026, after serving over 20 years in law enforcement, which has been executed with professional conduct, integrity and devotion; and

WHEREAS, Chief Garvin's devotion to public service began in 1993, after feeling a need to serve this great country, he enlisted in the United States Army and completed basic training at Fort Benning in Georgia; and

WHEREAS, after completing basic training, Chief Garvin was assigned to the prestigious 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) serving in Alpha Company, Commander-in-Chief's Guard; and

WHEREAS, while serving with The Old Guard, Chief Garvin had the distinct honor of participating in full-honor military funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery, where he was a member of a full honor firing party that rendered final military honors to fallen service members; and

WHEREAS, Chief Garvin's role as a member of a full honor firing party, he upheld the highest traditions of discipline, precision and respect that define the United States Army's ceremonial mission for fallen service members, and this role also instilled in him a deep commitment to service, professionalism and attention to detail that would later guide him as he embarked upon his law enforcement career; and

WHEREAS, after his military service, in 2005, Chief Garvin began his law enforcement career with the Newton Police Department under the leadership of Chief Harvey Curry, and he completed the police academy at Mississippi Delta Community College Law Enforcement Training Academy, where he earned his certification and prepared for full-time service in public safety; and

WHEREAS, in May of 2006, Chief Garvin joined the Decatur Police Department under Chief Joedy Pennington, and he served this community until November 2007 before joining the Union Police Department, where he served until April of 2012 under Chief Billy Pat Walker; and

WHEREAS, notably, while serving under various chiefs over the years before taking the helm at the Decatur Police Department, Chief Garvin gained invaluable experience in patrol operations, investigations and community policing - all of which would later assist him in his leadership role as police chief of the Town of Decatur; and

WHEREAS, Chief Garvin, after returning to the Decatur Police Department in April of 2012, under the leadership of Chief Pennington, a year later, he was appointed assistant chief of police, where he oversaw departmental operations, supported officer development and worked to strengthen community relationships; and

WHEREAS, in December of 2019, after serving over six years as assistant chief, Chief Garvin was appointed Chief of Police of the Decatur Police Department, where he was entrusted with the overall leadership, administration and strategic direction of the police department; and

WHEREAS, throughout his effective leadership of the Decatur Police Department, Chief Garvin has guided the agency through modern law enforcement challenges while simultaneously maintaining a steadfast commitment to professionalism, accountability and community service - all of which have been hallmarks of his distinguished tenure; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend and honor a selfless servant leader such as Chief Clay Garvin whose military service to this country as well as his service as the chief law enforcement officer in Decatur, Mississippi, stands as a role model for others and will never be forgotten by those he served:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Chief Clay Garvin upon the special occasion of his retirement as Chief of Police for the Town of Decatur and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.

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