MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Michel

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE HEROIC ACTION OF HINDS COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF KEN MAGEE IN APPREHENDING A HOUSE BURGLAR WHILE OFF-DUTY AND CLAD ONLY IN HIS UNDERWEAR, AND FOR BEING NAMED HINDS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT DEPUTY OF THE YEAR FOR 1999.

WHEREAS, Magee, the Hinds County Sheriff's Department's Deputy of the Year for 1999, heard a vehicle that "didn't sound right" pull into the driveway across the street at 1052 Briarfield Drive; Magee became suspicious and watched as the driver broke into the Ramsey home; and

WHEREAS, Magee investigated, dressed only in his socks and undershorts; within minutes a burglary suspect was in jail and Magee's neighborhood was quiet again; and

WHEREAS, Ken Magee doesn't consider himself to be a hero; instead, he just likes to think of himself as a good neighbor; and

WHEREAS, Tom and Elizabeth Ramsey were at a dinner party when the suspect pulled into their driveway; with no time to spare Magee grabbed his department issue Glock 9mm and told his wife, Karen, to dial 911 and report a burglary in progress; crossing the street in his underwear, Magee took the keys from the ignition and waited for the intruder to exit; and

WHEREAS, the suspect first jumped in his car, but realizing there were no keys, he took off on foot; Magee gave chase for several blocks but lost the suspect; JPD Officer Kenneth Talton apprehended the suspect; and

WHEREAS, "He's the hero of the day," homeowner Tom Ramsey said of Magee; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Malcolm McMillin praised his deputy for his actions; "Normally, we discourage people from policing in their own neighborhood," McMillin said, "he is an outstanding officer.";

WHEREAS, Magee said he was doing what anybody else would have done; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the professional response of this dedicated law enforcement officer, who has brought honor to his fellow public servants, to his county and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the heroic action of Hinds County Deputy Sheriff Ken Magee in apprehending a house burglar while off-duty and clad only in his underwear, and additionally for being named Hinds County Sheriff's Department Deputy of the Year for 1999, and wish him continued success in his future official and personal endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be furnished to Deputy Sheriff Ken Magee and his family and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.