Bill Text: MS HR162 | 2026 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Richard "Rick" Allen Haggard; mourn the loss and commemorate life, legacy and service upon his passing.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)
Status: (Passed) 2026-04-03 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR162 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2026-HR162-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2026 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Boyd (19th)
House Resolution 162
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, SERVICE AND LEGACY OF MR. RICHARD "RICK" ALLEN HAGGARD, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY, COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.
WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh 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 souls' destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mr. Richard "Rick" Allen Haggard, to eternal rest, as he made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family, colleagues and the community he faithfully served; and
WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi, Lee County and the Mooreville community lost a dedicated public servant and protector with the passing of School Resource Officer Richard "Rick" Allen Haggard of the Lee County Sheriff's Department on Monday, February 2, 2026, who laid down his life in the line of duty while faithfully serving and protecting others; and
WHEREAS, born on February 5, 1973, in Macon, Mississippi, to the union of his parents, Mrs. Susie Ann Featherston Haggard and the late Mr. Larry Wesley Haggard, Rick was raised with the values of integrity, responsibility and compassion that would guide his life and shape his distinguished service to others, and there is now a hush in our spirits as we gather in remembrance of one who has now joined that innumerable heavenly caravan; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of Sturgis High School who furthered his education at Mississippi College, Mr. Haggard displayed a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence from an early age, including his employment during college at Kroger where his reliability and dedication became evident to those around him; and
WHEREAS, in 2003, Mr. Haggard answered a calling to law enforcement that would define his life's purpose, embarking upon a career devoted to the protection and service of his community through the Lee County Sheriff's Department; and
WHEREAS, throughout his career, Rick faithfully served in several capacities including Deputy, Animal Control Officer and School Resource Officer, each role reflecting his steadfast dedication to justice, safety and the well-being of those entrusted to his care; and
WHEREAS, his service within local schools held a special place in his heart, as he was deeply committed to protecting students and faculty while fostering trust, mentorship and encouragement among the young people whose lives he helped safeguard each day; and
WHEREAS, on November 11, 2006, Mr. Haggard entered into holy matrimony with Jana, and together they built a loving home centered on faith, devotion and family, raising their daughters Alex and Ava who were the pride and joy of his life; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Haggard and his family were faithful members of Boguefala Baptist Church where he exemplified the Christian virtues of humility, kindness and service, living a life guided by faith and a sincere desire to uplift others; and
WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to stand upon Heaven's celestial shores, to reunite with the kindred spirits of those who made life's transition into eternity before him, including his father, maternal grandparents, Buddy and Shirley Featherston, and his grandfather-in-law, Ubes May, Mr. Haggard's legacy of courage, service and compassion will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors, including: devoted wife and life companion, Jana Haggard; daughters, Alex and Ava Haggard; mother, Susie Featherston Noble; stepfather, Charlie Noble; mother-in-law, Kathy (Jim) Marshall; grandmother-in-law, Janice May; brother-in-law, Mark Huffman; and a host of relatives, colleagues and friends; and
WHEREAS, we encourage the Haggard family to find solace in the words of Revelation 21:4 wherein it is written that "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away," and to be renewed in the assurance that he fulfilled the commandment of II Timothy 4:7 by having fought a good fight, finished his course and kept the faith; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the life and sacrifice of such courageous individuals of Mr. Haggard's innate caliber, whose devotion to duty and unwavering commitment to the safety of others embody the highest ideals of public service and whose memory will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved them:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life, service and legacy of Mr. Richard "Rick" Allen Haggard, whose dedication to his family, his community and the noble profession of law enforcement will forever stand as a testament to a life of honor, courage and faithful service, and extend most sincere and deepest sympathy to his family, colleagues and friends upon his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Richard "Rick" Allen Haggard, the Lee County Sheriff's Department and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
