MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Kirby, Harkins, Lee, Blount, Browning, Butler (38th), Frazier, Jackson (32nd), Stone, Watson
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE DEATH OF PEARL POLICE INVESTIGATOR MIKE WALTER WHO WAS LOST IN THE LINE OF DUTY ON MAY 1, 2012.
WHEREAS, Pearl, Mississippi, Police Investigator Mike Walter became the first officer in the history of the City of Pearl to fall in the line of duty on May 1, 2012, which has been called the "darkest hour" of the Pearl Police Department; and
WHEREAS, on May 1, three Pearl Police Officers were serving a warrant on a suspect in a sexual assault and molestation case. The suspect opened fire on the three investigators, hitting two of them. The third was injured in the skirmish as well, and the suspect was shot to death. One officer, Mike Walter, was lost and another officer remained hospitalized after undergoing surgery; and
WHEREAS, all of these officers are heroes, and their bravery should be commended. Some were fortunate, and some were not. Mike Walter paid with his life the price of our security and safety; and
WHEREAS, fallen Pearl Police Investigator Mike Walter was 37 years old, just a year younger than the town he served. Although born in San Diego, California, he has ties to the Jackson metro area that go back to 1997 when he played minor league baseball for four years; and
WHEREAS, Walter met his wife, Jeanne, during his years in Jackson, family friends said. The couple have a daughter, 11-year-old Bailey. Mike Walters was a loyal, funny, wonderful father, husband and friend. The Pearl soccer family has changed forever; and
WHEREAS, Walter was a guy who smiled all the time, Pearl Police Lieutenant Butch Townsend said. "Walter's wife and daughter were a big part of that," he said. "Seldom did a smile leave his face, and his smiles were never bigger than when he would speak of his wife and daughter"; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood also issued a statement on Walter's sacrifice. "Today we are saddened beyond words that we have lost one of our state's finest. We mourn this loss with our fellow law enforcement officers, and we pray for Detective Walter's family, friends and co-workers." Before coming to Jackson, Walter lived with his parents, John and Judy Walter, in San Diego. Walter loved baseball, but he also was a huge San Diego Charger's fan. His other great love was law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, Walter played eight years of professional baseball, including four in Jackson, from 1997-2000. The first three seasons in Jackson, he played for the Jackson Generals, the Houston Astros' Double-A Texas League Team at the time. The final season he played for the Independent League Jackson DiamondKats. Walter was a relief pitcher who was selected by the Astros in the 25th round of the 1993 Major League Baseball draft. He joined the Astros' Rookie League Club in Florida that summer and rose through the ranks from Rookie League to Single-A to Double-A before retiring from baseball after the 2000 season; and
WHEREAS, at Trustmark Park, the fallen officer was honored by the Mississippi Braves. "We have heavy hearts today and are deeply saddened for this loss to one of our own. Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Pearl Police Department and their families on this tragic day, and we are flying the American Flag at half-staff and observing a moment of silence before the National Anthem"; and
WHEREAS, Heaven is welcoming a hero today:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the death of Pearl Police Investigator Mike Walter who was lost in the line of duty on May 1, 2012, the first fallen officer in the history of the Pearl Police Department, and we extend the thoughts and prayers of a grateful state to his surviving family and his fellow law enforcement officers who risk their lives so that we may live ours with safety and security.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be transmitted to the surviving family of Officer Walter and the Pearl Chief of Police, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.