House Resolution 49

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MR. WALTER LOUIS "BIG MIKE" HAWKINS FOR HIS MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS, INCLUDING BEING HIRED AS THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN DEPUTY SHERIFF AND BEING ELECTED AS THE SECOND AFRICAN-AMERICAN CONSTABLE IN TALLAHATCHIE COUNTY.

WHEREAS, Mr. Walter Louis "Big Mike" Hawkins has made many historical accomplishments during his life; and

WHEREAS, his first historical accomplishment occurred in 1973, when he was hired as the first African-American Deputy Sheriff in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, since reconstruction, by Sheriff Ellet R. Dogan; and

WHEREAS, in 1979 he made history again when he was elected as the second African-American Constable in Tallahatchie County, since reconstruction; and

WHEREAS, he faithfully executed his duties as deputy and constable for many years; and

WHEREAS, during his law enforcement career, he also served as a police officer for the Towns of Glendora, Webb and Charleston; and

WHEREAS, before becoming a part of the history books in Tallahatchie County, he played semi-pro baseball with the Hawks in Champaign, Illinois, and was a teacher's aide for the West Tallahatchie School District; and

WHEREAS, his service to the community in law enforcement ended in 2002, when his health failed while serving as Chief Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff William Brewer's guidance; and

WHEREAS, as a result of his failed health, he retired as Chief Deputy Sheriff, but he continues to be a huge supporter of the sheriff's department and the community; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the lifetime accomplishments of living history makers, such as Mr. Walter Louis "Big Mike" Hawkins:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Walter Louis "Big Mike" Hawkins on his many accomplishments, including being hired as the first African-American Deputy Sheriff and being elected as the second African-American Constable in Tallahatchie County.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Walter Louis "Big Mike" Hawkins and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.