Bill Text: MS SC568 | 2014 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commend the life and public service of Tupelo Sergeant Kevin "Gale" Stauffer, who was lost in the line of duty.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2014-02-25 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC568 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2014-SC568-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2014 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Collins, Blount, Browning, Butler (38th), Carmichael, Clarke, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jolly, Jordan, Kirby, Lee, Longwitz, Montgomery, Parker, Stone, Ward
Senate Concurrent Resolution 568
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF TUPELO POLICE SERGEANT KEVIN "GALE" STAUFFER WHO WAS LOST IN THE LINE OF DUTY ON DECEMBER 23, 2013.
WHEREAS, on December 23, 2013, City of Tupelo Police Corporal Kevin "Gale" Stauffer (38) was lost in the line of duty while participating in the pursuit of fleeing bank robbers with two other officers. Corporal Stauffer was trying to end a high-speed chase. Another officer was listed in critical condition; and
WHEREAS, Stauffer had been a Corporal with the Tupelo Police Department since 2005. He worked as a Jailer for the Lee County Sheriff's Office from January 2004 until November 2005 and was in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 1998 to 2008. He received a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections from the University of Mississippi in 2011. Flags flew at half-mast at Tupelo City Hall and a Christmas Candlelight Vigil was held in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Stauffer was a combat veteran of the Louisiana Army National Guard. He had served with the Tupelo Police Department for 8 years and was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant; and
WHEREAS, as a young man, Gale earned the honor of being awarded the Eagle Scout Badge. After graduating from high school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he attended Itawamba Community College where he was a member of the Indians Football Team. A true patriot, Gale felt called to serve his country. He enlisted in the U.S. Military and bravely served his tour of duty in Iraq as a Sergeant in the Louisiana Army National Guard, 1088th Engineer Battalion in 2004 and 2005. After settling with his family in Tupelo, Gale became a member of the First United Methodist Church in Tupelo; and
WHEREAS, Stauffer is survived by his wife, Beth; daughter, Dixie Breckenridge Stauffer; and son, Kevin Gale (Skip) Stauffer III; and
WHEREAS, the City of Tupelo will miss Officer Stauffer and his contribution to the community; and
WHEREAS, the City of Tupelo, the State of Mississippi and people from all over the nation were saddened by his untimely death. The people of Lee County supported and encouraged the taking of action to appropriately commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of Officer Stauffer; and
WHEREAS, we should not pause and remember to thank police officers only in the wake of tragedy, we should do it every day. Those of us who have the privilege to lead should all strive to support law enforcement:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life and public service of Tupelo Police Officer Kevin "Gale" Stauffer who was lost in the line of duty on December 23, 2013, and extend the sympathy of the Legislature to his surviving family and the thanks of a grateful state for his service.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Officer Stauffer, forwarded to the Mayor and City Council of Tupelo, Mississippi, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
