MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Barker, Frierson, Mims, Myers, Byrd, Ellis, Johnson (87th), Morgan, Pigott, Roberson, Touchstone, Watson
A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND EXTRAORDINARY COURAGE OF OFFICER LIQUORI TATE OF THE HATTIESBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT.
WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, the grand architect of the universe, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny has summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Officer Liquori Tate, to eternal rest, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, an officer with the Hattiesburg Police Department, Liquori Tate, the epitome of a true American hero, was providing back up assistance to fellow officer, 34-year-old Benjamin "BJ" Deen, during a routine traffic stop, when both officers were killed in the line of duty on Saturday, May 9, 2015; and
WHEREAS, born on February 12, 1990, in Starkville, Mississippi, to Mrs. Yolander Ross (Bernell) and Mr. Ronald Tate, Liquori was a devoted brother to his 13 siblings, having developed an innate passion to protect and serve as early as his fourth birthday, which became a dream manifested on June 11, 2014, when he successfully completed the requisite training and graduated from the police academy to become a sworn law enforcement officer with the City of Hattiesburg Police Department; and
WHEREAS, having moved to Pike County in 2005 after relocating from Starkville, Officer Tate developed an indescribable affinity for McComb, where he graduated from South Pike High School in 2009 and later received his associate's degree from Southwest Mississippi Community College, and which served as a true anchor to his humanity, as being the place where he initiated his walk with God after accepting salvation's saving grace at Walker's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, described by his stepfather Lonnie Ross, who raised him from childhood, as a very balanced, respectful and loving young man who loved his family and who loved life with unwavering zeal, as evidenced by his fondness of having fun and laughing, as well as rendering unto God what was his reasonable service through his ministry of playing the drums for the male chorus and serving as an usher; and
WHEREAS, a rock star amongst his siblings and role model for young men in his church, Officer Tate's passion and enthusiasm about his work as a public servant and officer of the law highlighted his selflessness and complimented his award-winning smile, soon won over the adoration of his fellow officers, who reflect upon a smile that would never disappear, even throughout the rigorous training at the academy that included hundreds of laps, sit-ups, pushups and other strenuous activities; and
WHEREAS, a member of Hattiesburg Police Department's Graduating Class #31, Officer Tate always reported to work on time and ready to better his community at every turn, as well as issue citations to individuals caught breaking the law, all with that infectious smile while working tirelessly to strengthen his relationship with the community; and
WHEREAS, despite knowing the risk involved with his line of work, Liquori never wavered in his decision to put on his uniform daily and drive to a job that required him to put his own life on the line in order to maintain order, keep the peace, apprehend dangerous criminals, safeguard the American system of justice and ultimately protect the country he loved; and
WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to now stand upon the celestial shore of Heaven's grandeur, the legacy of Officer Liquori Tate's memory will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors and colleagues; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor heroic Mississippians such as Officer Liquori Tate, who valiantly sacrificed his life for the City of Hattiesburg and the State of Mississippi, while exuding a work ethic and caliber of compassion that leaves an indelible imprint of greatness on the City of Hattiesburg, our state and nation:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life, legacy and extraordinary courage of Officer Liquori Tate and extend sincere and deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Officer Liquori Tate, Hattiesburg Police Department and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.