MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2019 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Evans (45th), Baker, Rogers (61st), Weathersby, Shanks, Powell, Hale
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MR. JONATHAN R. "REGGIE" BELL FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED CAREER, MERITORIOUS LEADERSHIP AND OUTSTANDING SERVICE UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE MISSISSIPPI STATE FIRE ACADEMY.
WHEREAS, after thirty-five years of incomparable and zealous service, leadership and dedication to the State of Mississippi and to the United States, Mr. Jonathan R. "Reggie" Bell is retiring from his position as the Executive Director of the Mississippi State Fire Academy on June 30, 2019; and
WHEREAS, in 1985, Mr. Bell began his career in fire and emergency response as a firefighter and training and safety officer with the Starkville Fire Department, and during that time he was also a member of the Golden Triangle Hazardous Materials Response Team, and in 1992, he joined the Mississippi State Fire Academy as a Fire Academy Instructor; and
WHEREAS, after displaying extraordinary dedication to promoting and upholding the principles of public safety, Mr. Bell was first promoted to Fire Academy Instructor Chief in 2003, and after garnering much respect and admiration from his colleagues and superiors, he was promoted once again to Deputy Director of the Mississippi State Fire Academy in 2005; and
WHEREAS, in 2007, in recognition of his exceptional character and phenomenal leadership, Mr. Bell was meritoriously promoted to Executive Director of the Mississippi State Fire Academy, and throughout his illustrious tenure he has worked fervently to provide innovative training in fire and emergency response services; and
WHEREAS, with both superior and unmatched skill, Mr. Bell has completed nearly three thousand hours of basic and advanced training and education from the Mississippi State Fire Academy, and is a Mississippi Smoke Diver, certified Advanced Rescue Specialist, Executive Fire Officer, certified Fire Investigation Instructor and a certified Fire and Explosive Investigator; and
WHEREAS, as an adjunct instructor with organizations including the National Fire Academy, the United States Fire Administration, the United States Department of Justice, the United States Attorney's Office, Mississippi State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Texas A&M University, Mr. Bell has taught and lectured in 36 states, and has served numerous organizations, including the Mississippi Firefighters Association, the Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association, the Mississippi Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators and the Governor's Task Force for Homeland Security; and
WHEREAS, equipped with a wealth of leadership expertise and vast fire and emergency response experience, Mr. Bell, whose passion for public service is innately embedded in his DNA, was Commander of the Mississippi State Fire Academy Emergency Response Team during Hurricane Katrina, and within eight hours after the hurricane's landfall, he led the team into Waveland, Mississippi, and for numerous weeks, he and his team tirelessly provided search, rescue and logistical support, and because of his valiant efforts during this time, he was honored as a Hurricane Katrina Medal of Honor recipient; and
WHEREAS, equally committed to public service and protecting the fundamental liberties of this state and nation, Mr. Bell served his country with great honor in the Mississippi Army National Guard from 1973 until 1997, and in 1991, he served in Operation Desert Storm, receiving an Army Achievement Medal for his outstanding service; and
WHEREAS, throughout his 35-year career in fire and emergency response, Mr. Bell faced dangerous situations each day that demanded he put his life on the line, and each time the call came, he fearlessly and bravely rushed into perilous predicaments and responded to a variety of emergency events and catastrophes; and
WHEREAS, with incredible courage and superb perseverance, Mr. Bell has been an exceptional director and leader throughout his stellar career in fire and emergency response services, and his indomitable grit, dexterous abilities and passionate determination will be dearly missed by all of his colleagues and others who were fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him and experience his greatness; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to pay tribute to great, heroic Mississippians such as Mr. Jonathan R. "Reggie" Bell, who have dedicated their lives to preserving the freedoms that we enjoy each day and whose unparalleled leadership, dauntless fortitude and unwavering duty to save the lives of the people of this great Magnolia State will be remembered for years to come:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Mr. Jonathan R. "Reggie" Bell for his distinguished career, meritorious leadership and outstanding service upon the occasion of his retirement, and extend sincere wishes for his continued success in the lighter days ahead.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Jonathan R. "Reggie" Bell and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.