Senate Resolution 66

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING CORPORAL DARWIN MCMAHAN OF THE HARRISON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FOR RECEIVING THE DISTINGUISHED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD BY THE MISSISSIPPI COAST CRIME COMMISSION.

WHEREAS, Corporal Darwin McMahan, a Harrison County sheriff's deputy who was shot while assisting another officer, has been named Distinguished Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Mississippi Coast Crime Commission; and

WHEREAS, Governor Haley Barbour commended Corporal McMahan and other officers for protecting the public as he addressed the Crime Commission's 22nd Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Breakfast at Treasure Bay Casino Resort; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff George H. Payne, Jr., nominated McMahan, who was among 10 finalists. He was shot twice in an exchange of gunfire on December 13, 2003, while he assisted Cpl. Mechelle Carbine in finding out why a guest at Gulfport's Crystal Inn refused to check out. The man refused to show his identification, Payne said, describing how the man pulled out a .44-magnum revolver and began firing at them at close range. Both officers returned fire and the man was fatally wounded, Payne said. The sheriff praised McMahan, a ten-year department veteran, for courage and professionalism; and

WHEREAS, McMahan, 40, the father of five, was working two part-time jobs in addition to his patrol job at the time of the shooting. He underwent surgery and recuperated for four months before returning to the Sheriff's Department for a desk job with its Professional Standards Unit last month. His wounds still require physical therapy; and

WHEREAS, Bob Waterbury, Coast Crime Commission Executive Director, referred to McMahan and the finalists as "the cream of the crop"; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the heroism of this law enforcement officer, who has brought honor to his unit, 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 Corporal Darwin McMahan of the Harrison County Sheriff's Department for receiving the Distinguished Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award by the Mississippi Coast Crime Commission, and extend to him and his family the best wishes of the Senate on a speedy recovery and return to duty.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the Harrison County Sheriff and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.