Senate Concurrent Resolution 571

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF VETERAN MISSISSIPPI HIGHWAY PATROLMAN AND GRENADA COUNTY SHERIFF WESTON HAMPTON "BIRDIE" BIRDSONG, JR., OF GRENADA, MISSISSIPPI, AND REMEMBERING HIS LEGACY OF SERVICE.

WHEREAS, it is with sadness and respect that we note the passing of longtime Mississippi Highway Patrolman and Grenada County Sheriff Weston Hampton "Birdie" Birdsong, Jr., 89, of Grenada, Mississippi, on May 23, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Birdsong was born December 2, 1930, in Lambert, Mississippi, to W.H., Sr., and Eva Lawrence Birdsong. He attended school in Lambert and graduated from Lambert High School in 1950; and

WHEREAS, upon graduation, Birdsong enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served our nation for four years, being stationed in Tokyo, Japan. Birdsong saw action in the Korean War. When he was discharged he had attained the rank of Sergeant; and

WHEREAS, once discharged from the United States Air Force, Birdsong served as a radio operator for the Mississippi State Highway Patrol. He was initially assigned to the Greenwood office and then moved to Batesville. Shortly after that, Birdsong was accepted to and commissioned into the Mississippi State Highway Patrol. Birdsong joined the ranks as a uniformed patrolman on his 25th birthday in December of 1955, being sworn in by Colonel T.B. Birdsong, founder of the Mississippi State Highway Patrol; and

WHEREAS, Birdsong's first assignment as a patrolman was in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Birdsong served in the Mississippi Highway Patrol for 31 years as a Trooper, Sergeant and Lieutenant. He was trained in Hazardous Materials, Police Management, Supervision and Budgeting, and Human Relations. After his Rolling Fork assignment, Birdsong was transferred to Grenada, where he remained until his retirement in 1986; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Birdsong received many awards while serving in the Highway Patrol. The most prestigious award he received was Patrolman of the Year in 1973. He was nominated for this award by his peers and the presentation was witnessed by Sheriff Jesse Strider and presented by Governor Bill Waller. Birdsong was also awarded the Mississippian Award and the Governor's Outstanding Mississippian Award; and

WHEREAS, on March 2, 1973, Birdsong was recognized by the Mississippi Senate and House of Representatives for Outstanding Service to the State of Mississippi. Patrolman Birdsong risked his life while saving another person injured in an 18-wheeler accident. Other awards he received include the American Legion Commendation for Outstanding Service to the State of Mississippi, and a commendation for providing security for our nation's First Lady, Rosalyn Carter, wife of President Jimmy Carter, on her visit to our state's First Lady; and

WHEREAS, in 1987, Birdsong was elected as Sheriff of Grenada County and served two terms; and

WHEREAS, Birdsong was a faithful member of Elliott Baptist Church. He was a dedicated member of the Pastor's Sunday School Class. He was also a former member of the Kiwanis Club of Grenada and the Veterans of Foreign Wars; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Birdsong is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 46 years, Sadie Morgan Birdsong; grandson, Franklin Hood; and two sisters, Estelle McCullough Davis and Wilma Sanders. He is survived by his daughter, Beth Birdsong Hood; grandson, Wes Hood; sister, Inez Whitten; and a host of nieces and nephews. Honorary pallbearers at his graveside service at Elliott Cemetery were active and retired Patrolmen with the Mississippi Highway Patrol and Grenada Sheriff's Department, Charles Davis, Jake Gibbs, Eddie Foshee, Sue Hall, Ann Morgan and Richie Morgan; and;

WHEREAS, we pay tribute and cherish fondly the memory of this most dedicated Mississippi law enforcement professional, and for a lifetime of selfless service, a grateful state thanks him and his family:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby pay tribute to the memory of veteran Mississippi Highway Patrolman and Grenada County Sheriff Weston Hampton "Birdie" Birdsong, Jr., of Grenada, Mississippi, and remembering his legacy of service, and extend the condolences of the Mississippi Legislature to his surviving family.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Lieutenant Birdsong, forwarded to the Commissioner of Public Safety and the Grenada Board of Supervisors and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.