House Resolution 15

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE SELFLESS SERVICE AND ASSISTANCE OF JAMES SMITH IN HIS CAPACITY AS CIVIL DEFENSE DIRECTOR FOR LAMAR COUNTY AND THE LAMAR COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FOR PERFORMING EXEMPLARY EMERGENCY SERVICE DURING THE HURRICANE KATRINA CRISIS.

WHEREAS, when Hurricane Katrina made landfall on August 29, 2005, causing catastrophic damage to the Mississippi Coastal Region as well as Central Mississippi, James Smith, Civil Defense Director for Lamar County, and the Lamar County Board of Supervisors, answered the call of duty; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Smith and the board of supervisors eagerly, unselfishly and boldly stepped up to their duties assisting local civil authorities in preserving public and private property and enhancing the safety of citizens from Hurricane Katrina's anticipated destruction; and

WHEREAS, since the hurricane's landfall, Mr. Smith and the board of supervisors have worked incessantly to coordinate with the Mississippi National Guard, law enforcement agencies throughout the state and region and public utility providers to ensure that the necessities of the citizens were being attended; and

WHEREAS, the days that followed Hurricane Katrina will remain embedded in our lives and minds, and the acts of kindness and compassion shown by Mr. Smith and the board of supervisors will live on forever; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Smith and the board of supervisors continue to demonstrate their commitment and fortitude by standing tall in the face of adversity, putting their personal lives on hold, while providing comfort and assistance to fellow Mississippians during their time of need:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Charlie Smith and the Lamar County Board of Supervisors for their exemplary services, conduct and performance rendered subsequent to Hurricane Katrina's unprecedented destruction.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Smith, the Lamar County Board of Supervisors and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.