House Resolution 109

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE DISTINGUISHINGLY ESTEEMED LIFE, SERVICE AND LEGACY OF MISSISSIPPI'S FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN FEMALE HIGHWAY SAFETY PATROL STATE TROOPER, FELICIA BRELAND, AND EXPRESSING SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worked for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Felicia Breland, to rest eternally, as she has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the City of Picayune, the entirety of Pearl River County and the State of Mississippi, lost a wonderful friend, true public servant, decorated law enforcement officer, historic trailblazer and heroine with the passing of Mississippi Highway Patrol retired State Trooper Breland, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of one who has been called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan; and

WHEREAS, a native of Picayune and graduate of Picayune Memorial High School, Trooper Breland, affectionately known by family and closest acquaintances as "Neicey," possessed a zeal for life that was complimented by her personal determination to do her best in any endeavor undertaken, whether in academics, as evidenced by her collegiate matriculation at Texas Southern University, or professional vocation in service to mankind, as made evident by her decision to embark upon a career in the law enforcement segment of public service, a decision that would forever place her name in the historical archives of the State of Mississippi, when she became the first African-American female to graduate from Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol Cadet School in December 1980, as a member of Cadet Class 39, which was also the first class in the agency's history to graduate female cadets, joining fellow trooper cadets, Linda Freeman and Barbara Roby; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Breland remained zealously committed to fulfilling the mission of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol, in its charge to keep the public roadways safe to travelers, until her assignment with the agency concluded in May 1990; and

WHEREAS, a smart and fearless trailblazer, Trooper Breland was a woman of integral character dedicated to the cause of serving others who refused to cower in fear when facing the most adverse conditions, and valiantly assumed the selflessness of a heroine while using her platform of an esteemed officer to encourage and inspire other young women to pursue their passion with unyielding fervor and unmitigated fortitude to shatter glass ceilings of success; and

WHEREAS, having overcome systemic prejudices and institutional barriers to achieve the honor of becoming the first African-American female State Trooper in the State of Mississippi, Trooper Breland, extended herself to persevere above and beyond the call of duty, honor and loyalty to her comrades in blue in a manner that would convey profound impacts and contributions to the state; and

WHEREAS, though she has now traversed the river of life to receive the glorious gift of being in the Lord's presence, as she has laid down her flag and staff of battle to unite with the legions of Heaven's guardians and those kindred spirits who transitioned before her, Trooper Breland will be sorely missed by those who experienced the depth of her love, commitment and compassion for life and pursuit of freedom for all; and

WHEREAS, we encourage the family to find solace from the overwhelming sadness created by the earthly departure of their beloved family member and be renewed in their faith that Trooper Breland fulfilled the purpose of her appointed time in adherence to the commandment of II Timothy 4:7, by having "fought a good fight, finishing her course and keeping the faith until the hour of her departure was at hand"; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride and humility that the House of Representatives recognizes the laudable service and historical significance of this great Mississippian, as evidenced by the life and merits of Trooper Breland:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorating the distinguishingly esteemed life, service and legacy of Mississippi's first African-American female Highway Safety Patrol State Trooper, Felicia Breland, and extend 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 former State Trooper Felicia Breland and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.