Bill Text: MS HR93 | 2020 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Chief Steve Coker; commend upon 28 years of service in the fire industry and upon his retirement as New Albany's Fire Chief.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2020-06-26 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR93 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2020-HR93-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2020 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Creekmore IV
House Resolution 93
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE OUTSTANDING CAREER OF MR. STEVE COKER UPON THE SPECIAL OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS NEW ALBANY'S FIRE CHIEF AND FOR 28 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE FIRE INDUSTRY.
WHEREAS, Mr. Steve Coker, former fire chief of the City of New Albany, Mississippi, is being honored and celebrated upon the special occasion of his retirement after 28 years of service in the fire industry; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of East Union High School and Mississippi State University, Mr. Coker's career in the fire industry began in 1991 with the East Union Volunteer Fire Department, and notably, he began volunteering with East Union with his father, which is a testament to his family's dedication to public service; and
WHEREAS, while working with and making vast contributions to the East Union Volunteer Fire Department, Mr. Coker rose through the ranks of county service and became chief of the department and during his 11-year tenure as chief, the fire rating improved from a Class 10 to a Class 8, which speaks to his exceptional leadership; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Coker also served as Union County Fire Services Fire Coordinator for 12 years - a position from which he retired in December 2019; and
WHEREAS, prior to becoming New Albany's fire chief, Mr. Coker served Union County for over 15 years as a deputy tax assessor while simultaneously serving the county by volunteering as a firefighter with the East Union Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, on May 9, 2011, Mr. Coker was hired as New Albany's fire chief and through his selfless and outstanding leadership over a eight-year tenure, the fire department obtained new equipment that included a new rescue truck, and the fire insurance rating went from a Class 6 to Class 5; and
WHEREAS, additionally, during the time of Mr. Coker's leadership at New Albany's Fire Department, equipment was upgraded to digital technology and a safety inspection program was established, which speaks to his forward thinking and innovative leadership style; and
WHEREAS, while at New Albany's Fire Department, Mr. Coker was known for his ability to handle and understand complex budgets and for his open door policy, which helped the department become one of the most admired and respected departments across the state; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Coker currently serves as the Northeast District Vice President of the Mississippi Fire Chief's Association where he continues to provide leadership and direction to both career and volunteer chiefs, and he also currently serves as assistant chief with East Union Volunteer Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, on February 28, 2020, Mr. Coker officially retired as New Albany's fire chief after 28 years of service in the fire industry, nonetheless, as a valued member of Mississippi Fire Service, on a regular basis he continues to assist other departments and organizations with his invaluable knowledge and experience that he obtained through volunteering and during his career; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to pay tribute to a fearless Mississippi public servant such as Mr. Steve Coker who put his philosophy into action by leaving the New Albany Fire Department and the fire industry better than the way he found them:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Steve Coker upon his outstanding career and upon the special occasion of his retirement as New Albany's Fire Chief and for his 28 years of service in the fire industry, and wish him good health and success in all of his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Steve Coker and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
