House Concurrent Resolution 113

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DEDICATED SERVICE OF CAPTAIN LAVERNE SING AND ACKNOWLEDGING HER AS THE FIRST FEMALE AFRICAN-AMERICAN FIRE FIGHTER IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AND AS A PIONEER FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN FIRE FIGHTERS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

WHEREAS, as the State of Mississippi's first female African-American fire fighter, Captain Laverne Sing not only broke down years of historical barriers, but also provided safety and security for the citizens of the City of Greenville, Mississippi, for many selfless years; and

WHEREAS, known as a Delta Pioneer, Captain Laverne Sing was born January 16, 1944, in Washington County, Mississippi, to a family of five sisters and four brothers; and

WHEREAS, Captain Laverne Sing worked numerous occupations leading up to her heroic role as a fire fighter including telecommunications operator, medical service driver and dispatcher, and she was also Greenville's first female security officer for the Greenville Public School District; and

WHEREAS, Captain Laverne Sing reported for duty in June 1979 to her community as the first African-American female fire fighter in Greenville without allowing prejudice to get in her way; and

WHEREAS, Captain Laverne Sing's selfless acts in fire prevention and safety have resulted in the preservation of countless lives and incalculable amounts of property; and

WHEREAS, Captain Laverne Sing's goals as a fire fighter were to save lives, save property, and protect the environment; and

WHEREAS, she met these objectives every day not only in the firehouse and on the scene but in her daily life; and

WHEREAS, Captain Laverne Sing's hard work and expert knowledge led to her rapid promotion from a recruit to Captain of the Greenville Firehouse; and

WHEREAS, putting herself in harm's way to save precious lives, Captain Laverne Sing courageously ran into burning buildings and structures when others were running out; and

WHEREAS, once in a burning building Captain Laverne Sing used the right hand search pattern technique and immediately began scouring for and removing trapped occupants by following closely along the room's walls and performing the search until everyone in the structure was safely out; and

WHEREAS, always displaying a commitment to excellence even in the face of unthinkable danger, Captain Laverne Sing's own acts of gallantry, perseverance and pride exemplify a character that has allowed her to grow and prosper; and

WHEREAS, as Captain for the Greenville Fire Department, she was a leader in the firehouse and at times performed dispatch services for both the fire and police department; and

WHEREAS, she volunteered her time as a public relations officer for the fire department where she presented programs in community schools, daycare centers and nursing homes that educated numerous persons both on escaping a fire and what action to take when faced with safety hazards; and

WHEREAS, in 1990 and 1991, Captain Laverne Sing served the community as a volunteer for the Salvation Army and the Mississippi Firefighters Memorial Burn Center; and

WHEREAS, in her service to the Greenville Fire Department, Captain Laverne Sing was decorated with many honors including the Department's Outstanding Performance Award and the Flame Award from the Greenville Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, as a fire fighter, Captain Laverne Sing worked through many grueling academic courses including her national certification in level Fire Fighter One, numerous safety programs and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training through the American Red Cross; and

WHEREAS, Captain Laverne Sing's exceptional performance of her duties and her barrier-breaking accomplishments have been recognized during such events as Black History Month, and by churches, associations and community groups; and

WHEREAS, in 1992, upon the passing of the brother committed to her care for 18 years, Captain Laverne Sing felt the call to be close to her family and resigned after over a decade of gallant service to the Greenville Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, Captain Laverne Sing is a proud member of Serene Lodge 20th Century Temple Daughter's of Elks and a faithful servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the Grace Outreach Church that is pastored by Rev. Ruben Lewis; and

WHEREAS, Captain Laverne Sing is the proud mother of three children, Remelda, Demetria and Lawrence Sing; and

WHEREAS, Captain Laverne Sing still serves the City of Greenville in her current role in the Greenville Public School System where her deep love for children continues to this day; and

WHEREAS, Captain Laverne Sing is recognized by the Black Women in Fire Service as the State of Mississippi's first female African-American fire fighter and as a leader of African-American women fire fighters in the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the service and dedication to the State of Mississippi as exemplified by a fire fighter such as Captain Laverne Sing:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the dedicated service of Captain Laverne Sing, acknowledge her as the first female African-American fire fighter in the State of Mississippi and express warmest wishes for continued success in all of her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Captain Laverne Sing, the Greenville Fire Department and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.