Senate Resolution 48

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING OFFICER HERMAN L. HORTON FOR BEING NAMED THE JACKSON POLICE DEPARTMENT'S "POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2001".

WHEREAS, Officer Herman L. Horton has been named the Jackson Police Department's "Police Officer of the Year" for the year 2001; and

WHEREAS, Officer Horton is one of two officers assigned to the Jackson Police Department's Safe Neighborhood Initiative (S.N.I.) Unit whose primary duty is community policing in five neighborhoods within the City of Jackson's Weed and Seed area. S.N.I. Unit is currently located on Booker Street in the Washington Addition Neighborhood; however, the unit will be moving to a new location near Valley and Booker Streets; and

WHEREAS, the "Police Officer of the Year" Award is given by the One Hundred Club and presented annually to the Jackson Police Officer who distinguishes himself/herself through exemplary performance during the previous year. The One Hundred Club will present the award to Officer Horton on Tuesday, April 17, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. during a banquet dinner; and

WHEREAS, Officer Horton recently received Attorney General Mike Moore's "2000 City Law Enforcement Officer of the Year" Award

for his work in the Weed and Seed area and his community service; and

WHEREAS, Officer Horton credits hard work and perseverance as the key to receiving JPD's top award. As you may recall, Officer Horton and his former partner, Officer Derek Harding worked diligently during the period of October 1999 through April 2000, and were successful in conducting a street level undercover drug operation in the Weed and Seed area. An initial 50 felony drug cases and 38 suspects were presented before the Hinds County Grand Jury and subsequently, 30 additional felony drug cases and 15 suspects were submitted with all receiving indictments. For their efforts, Mayor Harvey Johnson, Jr., and the Jackson City Council presented Officer Horton and Officer Harding with Certificates of Commendation. The former United States Attorney, Brad Pigott, also commended the officers for their exceptional work in law enforcement by awarding them with the Department of Justice Distinguished Service Award; and

WHEREAS, Officer Horton organizes an annual child/bicycle safety rally in which he raises funds to purchase bicycles and gives them away to underprivileged children residing in the Weed and Seed area. He coordinates this event with the JPD Bicycle Unit, the Jackson State University Campus Police, the City of Jackson's Fire Department and the community leaders of the respective neighborhoods. Along with the bicycles, Officer Horton furnishes safety helmets and other safety equipment. Officer Horton has done this every April since 1999. The next event is scheduled for April 28, 2001 on the campus of Jackson State University at the T.B. Ellis Gymnasium on Dalton Street. Officer Horton says this event focuses on teaching children bicycle safety, proper riding techniques and allows the children to have fun at the same time; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the child/bicycle rally, Officer Horton also coordinates an annual Weed and Seed "Mother's Appreciation Banquet." This event focuses on showing the mothers within the Weed and Seed area how much the officers in the Safe Neighborhood Initiative (S.N.I.) Unit appreciate them. This event also was started in 1999 by Officer Horton from funds donated from local businesses and individuals in and around southwest Jackson. Officer Horton is presently making arrangements for the 2001 Weed and Seed "Mother's Appreciation Banquet"; and

WHEREAS, when asked about his thoughts on receiving the award for JPD "Officer of the Year," Officer Horton responded, "It's like being inducted into a Police Hall of Fame." "This is a very coveted and prestigious award and it is indeed a distinct honor to be chosen from among good, hard working officers," Horton said. "To be named the 'Officer of the Year' for JPD is a crowning achievement and an inspiration to continue excelling"; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the professional dedication of this public servant who has brought honor to his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Officer Herman L. Horton upon being named the City of Jackson Police Department's "Police Officer of the Year 2001" and wish him and his family success in their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Officer Horton and his family, be forwarded to Mayor Harvey Johnson and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.