House Resolution 102

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING JOHN B. POPE, III, OF COLLINS, MISSISSIPPI, ON BEING NAMED 2013-2014 FIRE CHIEF OF THE YEAR BY THE MISSISSIPPI BURN FOUNDATION.

WHEREAS, John Pope, Fire Chief of Collins, Mississippi, has been named 2013-2014 Fire Chief of the Year by the Mississippi Burn Foundation; and

WHEREAS, top firefighters and fire departments were recognized during "Hearts for Heroes," a special awards gala presented by the Joseph M. Still Burn Centers, Inc., Emergency Equipment Professionals and Central Mississippi Medical Center; and

WHEREAS, held at McClain Lodge in Brandon, Mississippi, the event provided awards sponsored by Colonial Pipeline of Collins, selecting the Fire Chief of the Year from nominees who had demonstrated outstanding management of their department and heroic service to the community; and

WHEREAS, it was at this grand gala event that the 2013-2014 Fire Chief of the Year was awarded to Chief John B. Pope, III, of the City of Collins Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, in 2013, Chief Pope served as President of the Mississippi Firefighters Association and lobbied for several pieces of key legislation to support the firefighters, fire service and citizens of the state; and

WHEREAS, well known as a leading expert in large scale flammable liquids and industrial fires and firefighting, Chief Pope was requested to travel as a guest and American representative of the Taiwanese government and the Environmental Protection Agency where he was tasked with reviewing industrial fire and hazardous response plans to dangerous liquid and chemical fires plaguing that country; and

WHEREAS, he has numerous impressive appointments and positions including as a member of the Covington County Chamber of Commerce Board, President of Local Emergency Planning Committee, member of the Mississippi State Fire Academy Advisory Board, Executive Board Member of the Mississippi State Fire Chief's Association, Covington County Fire Investigator and sworn law enforcement officer; and

WHEREAS, among Chief Pope's awards and recognitions, he was the recipient of a Congressional Service Award from Congressman Gregg Harper and has been recognized for his outstanding work in the service of firefighting by Colonial Pipeline and Governor Phil Bryant for his dedication and service to the citizens and safety of the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, appreciating the vital role that a fire chief plays in protecting the public, it is the policy of the House of Representatives that special recognition be given to such an outstanding fire chief as Chief John Pope, who provides dedicated service to his community:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend John B. Pope, III, of Collins, Mississippi, on being named the 2013-2014 Fire Chief of the Year by the Mississippi Burn Foundation and extend best wishes for continued success in all of his professional and personal endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Chief John Pope and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.