Senate Resolution 79

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING CHIEF JOHN B. POPE III FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED AND HONORABLE SERVICE AS THE LONGEST-SERVING ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI FIREFIGHTER'S ASSOCIATION IN ITS PROUD 101-YEAR HISTORY.

WHEREAS, Chief John B. Pope III Fire Chief of Collins, Mississippi, served honorably and with distinction as the President of the Mississippi Firefighter's Association for six consecutive terms of office from June 2, 2012, until June 1, 2024; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Firefighter's Association was established and began its work on behalf of the Firefighters of the State of Mississippi on February 15, 1923; and

WHEREAS, since its creation, the Mississippi Firefighter's Association's mission is to establish harmony of action in the cultivation of professional development and to work with various agencies to help ensure fire protection and prevention for all citizens while promoting the best interests of the fire service in the State of Mississippi and the nation; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Firefighter's Association elects its President and other Officers to serve a term of office, by a majority vote of its members and delegates at its annual conference held each summer; and

WHEREAS, Chief John B. Pope III was first elected to serve as a District Vice-President for the Southeastern District of the state in 2007, representing Clark, Covington, Forrest, Greene, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Perry, Smith, and Wayne Counties on the association's executive board for four terms; and

WHEREAS, Pope was elected to serve as the association's first Vice-President statewide in 2010, serving in that post for two terms; and

WHEREAS, in 2012, Chief Pope was nominated and elected unopposed, as the President of the Mississippi Fire Firefighter's Association, and at that same time, a motion from the floor by the membership body was approved and passed, naming Pope as the first President nominated and elected to serve in a new two-year term of office; and

WHEREAS, Chief John B. Pope III was re-elected as President of the Mississippi Firefighter's Association with overwhelming support for six total two-year terms, for a length of service as President for 12 years and 18 years on its Executive Board, and proudly served as its President and led the celebration of its 100th Anniversary in 2023; and

WHEREAS, during his 12 years as President, Chief Pope was an effective leader, fostering the association to increase its membership. He worked to more than triple the association's attendance at annual conferences and to guide it into becoming more financially stable. Chief Pope worked together with members to strengthen the association's overall effectiveness and benefits for years to come; and

WHEREAS, Chief Pope has maintained a very active and engaged presence within the areas of both state and national politics. He has lobbied for and promoted the passage of numerous key and critical pieces of legislation, including the increase of the Mississippi Firefighter's & Law Enforcement Officer's Death Benefit Trust Fund, Construction & Facility Enhancements at the Mississippi State Fire Academy, the Mississippi Length of Service Award Program, and numerous other legislation items to support the firefighters, fire service and citizens of the state; and

WHEREAS, Chief John B. Pope III has the esteemed distinction and honor of being the longest-serving elected President in the over 101-year history of the Mississippi Firefighter's Association; and

WHEREAS, Chief Pope continues in his service to the Mississippi Firefighter's Association on its Executive Board as Past-President of the association, lending his knowledge, experience, and abilities to continue to support and assist the association, its board and members in any way he can; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his 12 years of distinguished and honorable service as the President of the Mississippi Firefighter's Association, in sincere appreciation for the important part that he has played and continues to play in representing and moving Mississippi's fire services forward, and because Chief John B. Pope III exemplifies himself as a selfless servant through his dedication and service to the members of the Mississippi Firefighter's Association, the citizens of his community, and to the citizens of the Great State of Mississippi, a grateful state thanks him heartily:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Chief John B. Pope III for his distinguished and honorable service as the longest-serving elected President of the Mississippi Firefighter's Association in its proud 101-year history and extend our best wishes to John and his family for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to John B. Pope III and his family, forwarded to the Mississippi Firefighter's Association and made available to the Capitol Press Corp.