MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2003 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Johnson (19th), Carmichael, Dawkins, Gordon, Hamilton, Kirby, Little, Smith, Walden, White

Senate Concurrent Resolution 544

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF JOHNNIE RUSSELL "RUSTY" DAWKINS, BATTALION CHIEF OF THE STARKVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE.

     WHEREAS, Johnnie Russell "Rusty" Dawkins, Battalion Chief of the Starkville Fire Department, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2002; and

     WHEREAS, "Rusty" Dawkins was a dedicated fire fighter with the Starkville Fire Department for 21 years; and

     WHEREAS, "Rusty" Dawkins had served with the Starkville Fire Department since December 1981, and had risen through the ranks to become Battalion Chief in 2002; and

     WHEREAS, "Rusty" Dawkins was greatly respected by his fellow fire fighters and was voted "Fire Officer of the Year" in 2002; and

     WHEREAS, "Rusty" Dawkins was well known and respected by the people of his community and was voted "Best Fire Fighter" (People's Choice - Starkville Daily News) in 1999; and

     WHEREAS, "Rusty" Dawkins was a member of the Mississippi Fire Fighters Association and the Mississippi Fire Chief's Association; and

     WHEREAS, "Rusty" Dawkins was a native of Noxubee County and was a member of the Adaton Baptist Church; and

     WHEREAS, "Rusty" Dawkins is survived by his wife, Dana Dawkins; daughter, Lauren; son, Tyler; father, Johnnie Mack Dawkins; mother, Betty Dawkins; sister, Sandy Dawkins; and brother, Jeff Dawkins; and

     WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the untimely passing of this dedicated fire fighter who contributed so much to his department and community:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life of Johnnie Russell "Rusty" Dawkins, Battalion Chief with the Starkville Fire Department, and express our deepest sympathy to his family.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the family of Johnnie Russell "Rusty" Dawkins and to the Starkville Fire Department.