Georgia-2011-HR1628-Introduced

By: Representatives Abdul-Salaam of the 74th, Jordan of the 77th, and Scott of the 76th

Recognizing and commending Chief Samuel F. Patterson; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Chief Samuel F. Patterson is the Director of Public Safety and the Chief of Police in Riverdale, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, he served the Atlanta Police Department from 1987 until 2005 and retired as a Police Major when he was offered a job in Riverdale as the Assistant Chief of Police where he served the position for two and a half years and was appointed Chief of Police in 2007 and Director of Public Safety in 2008 with responsibilities for Police, Communications, and Fire Services; and

WHEREAS, the Riverdale Police Department was awarded the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies International Accreditation in 2009; and

WHEREAS, Chief Patterson completed the Law Enforcement Executive Development course presented by the FBI in 2010; and

WHEREAS, Chief Samuel F. Patterson is united in love and marriage to Marilyn Liggett Patterson, and they are blessed with three remarkable children; and

WHEREAS, he is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police in Boston, Massachusetts, the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, Georgia Command College, Leadership Clayton, and the FBI's Law Enforcement Executive Development Program; and

WHEREAS, he is a graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and Columbus State University, where he earned a Master's in Public Administration; and
WHEREAS, he is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and is an active member of the Decatur Alumni Chapter; and

WHEREAS, Chief Samuel F. Patterson is highly regarded by the citizens of his community and by state and local government officials as a person of unquestioned integrity and dedication to the administration of justice and sound principles of law enforcement; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that gratitude be shown for the unique and often unheralded contributions of Chief Samuel F. Patterson and all local law enforcement officers on behalf of the citizens of this state.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body commend Chief Samuel F. Patterson for his efficient, effective, unselfish, and dedicated service and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued health and happiness.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Chief Samuel F. Patterson.