House Concurrent Resolution 19

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF POLICE CHIEF GLENDA SHOEMAKER AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, Police Chief Glenda Shoemaker has made life's final transition to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the Pelahatchie community lost a wonderful friend, protector and public servant with the passing of Police Chief Glenda Shoemaker on April 25, 2016, at the age of 64; and

WHEREAS, Police Chief Shoemaker was distinguished as the first female police officer in Mississippi and was also the longest serving Pelahatchie Police Chief in history, serving 17 years in that position; and

WHEREAS, originally from Bastrop, Louisiana, and Pickens, Mississippi, Police Chief Shoemaker began her law enforcement career by becoming a police officer in 1977 at the Mississippi State Hospital in Whitfield and later worked for the Pelahatchie and Brandon Police Departments, and with the Rankin County Ambulance Service; and

WHEREAS, in June 2015, Police Chief Shoemaker received the prestigious Jefferson Award from WJTV, which honors individuals for their achievements and contributions they have made towards their community, and though also awarded nationally, this WJTV Jefferson Award was given to 12 out of 1,500 local people who "do ordinary things without expectation of recognition or reward," and is a true testament to the character of Police Chief Shoemaker; and

WHEREAS, Police Chief Shoemaker is also credited with starting the Pelahatchie Ambulance Service, the local chapter of the Lions Club and other key community events; and

WHEREAS, though she has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon her arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, the legacy of Police Chief Shoemaker will continue on in the memories of her survivors, including: husband, Willie; children, Sabrina Frith, Catherine Poarch, Brandi Till, David Shoemaker and one deceased; 14 grandchildren and one deceased; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend the lives of inspiring public servants and police officers, such as Police Chief Shoemaker, whose memory will be cherished in the community for years to come:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of Police Chief Glenda Shoemaker and extend sincere and deepest sympathy to her family and friends upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Police Chief Glenda Shoemaker and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.