MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Butler (38th), Simmons (13th), Jackson (11th), Jordan, Simmons (12th), Butler (36th), Turner, Jackson (32nd), Dawkins, Blount, Browning, Frazier, Horhn, Stone
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMEMORATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN SWORN TROOPERS IN THE MISSISSIPPI HIGHWAY PATROL.
WHEREAS, the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol (known as the "Highway Patrol") was created in 1938, with troopers first patrolling the highways on motorcycles. Automobiles were the principal enforcement vehicle in the 1940s and since; and
WHEREAS, entry into the ranks of the Mississippi Highway Patrol requires the completion of a 23-week training program held at the MS Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy. Typically over 500 applicants apply to each class, though only 100 cadets will begin the training and less than 50 will graduate as Troopers. Academy curriculum includes academics, law, EVOC, first aid, physical training, boxing, ground fighting and advanced officer survival. The training places extreme pressure on each cadet to test his or her will to "Never Quit"; and
WHEREAS, in 1972, Class No. 12 commenced training the 18th day of June 1972, with a total of 52 cadets of which five were African-Americans, namely: James Cheeks - Madison County, Canton; Walter Crosby - Forrest County, Hattiesburg; Arthur Marble - Harrison County, Gulfport; Bernard Williams - Pike County, Magnolia; and Lewis Younger - Yazoo County, Yazoo City; and
WHEREAS, on the 1st day of September 1972, three African-Americans were commissioned, namely: Walter C. Crosby, Sr., was assigned to the Gulfport District, District 8 Troop, Enforcement; Richard Williams was assigned to Driver's License, Jackson District, District 1 Troop; and Lewis Younger was assigned to the Jackson District, District 1 Troop, Enforcement; and
WHEREAS, in 2000, the Mississippi Highway Patrol appointed L.M. Claiborne to become the first African-American Colonel of the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Colonel Claiborne began his career with the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol in December 1980 as a Trooper assigned to Troop H, Louisville, Mississippi. He was promoted to the rank of Trooper First Class in December 1985 and in December 1987 to the rank of Staff Sergeant assigned as the Accident Reconstructionist in Troops H and G. In March 1989, Colonel Claiborne was among the first Highway Patrol Officers to attend training for and become a Crime Scene Investigator with the rank of Sergeant First Class. Claiborne was then promoted to Captain over the training division where he served until his promotion to Colonel; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we note this landmark event in the history of the Mississippi Highway Patrol and in the history of the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the first African-American sworn troopers in the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Commissioner of Public Safety for proper distribution and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.