Bill Text: MS SC501 | 2023 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Mourn the loss and commend the life and public service of David R. Huggins.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 9-4)
Status: (Passed) 2023-02-03 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC501 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2023-SC501-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2023 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Parks, Barnett, Boyd, Butler (38th), DeBar, Hill, Hopson, Jackson, Kirby, McCaughn, Michel, Norwood, Sparks
Senate Concurrent Resolution 501
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF FORMER CHIEF OF THE MISSISSIPPI HIGHWAY PATROL AND COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND FORMER SERGEANT AT ARMS OF THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE DAVID RICHARD HUGGINS AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE ON HIS PASSING.
WHEREAS, the Legislature and the State of Mississippi lost a wonderful friend, colleague, gentleman and effective law enforcement officer with the passing of former Chief of the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Commissioner of Public Safety and former Sergeant at Arms of the Mississippi Senate, David Richard Huggins, who passed away on August 10, 2022, at age 74. David was an outstanding law enforcement officer and leader in the administration of operations in the executive and legislative branches of Mississippi government and was instrumental in the political careers of numerous public servants; and
WHEREAS, David Huggins was born in Corinth, Mississippi, and attended Biggersville High School. He then went on to attend Northeast Mississippi Junior College and later attended, through the University of Southern Mississippi, Forensics at Scotland Yard located in London, England; and
WHEREAS, David started his career in the 1960s with the Alcorn County Sheriff's Department before becoming a State Trooper. On June 9, 1969, David graduated from The Mississippi Highway Patrol Academy Class #27 and was assigned to Tunica, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, David married Judy Monroe on June 28, 1969, and they were married for 53 years; and
WHEREAS, David and Judy also lived in Senatobia, Jackson, Corinth and Brandon. From 1988 through 1992 David served as the Chief of the Mississippi Highway Patrol. From 2000 through 2004 David served as the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety under Governor Ronnie Musgrove; and
WHEREAS, after his service as Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, David was Sergeant at Arms for the Mississippi Senate from 2004 to 2008. He then became Chief Investigator for the State Auditor's Office in 2008; and
WHEREAS, David loved all types of recreation, whether it was camping, water skiing or planning his grandkids' birthday parties on the back deck. David also loved the Highway Patrol and embraced the politics involved. On March 28, 2010, Governor Haley Barbour signed H.B. 1159, to be known as the "David R. Huggins Act." This bill ensured Mississippi Highway Patrol Troopers were compensated for all the hours they worked; and
WHEREAS, David is preceded in death by son, Joseph Huggins, parents, Frank, Sr., and Ruth Huggins and brother Frank Huggins, Jr. David is survived by his lovely wife, Judy; daughters, Rebecca (David) and Vicki; grandchildren: Payton, Sydnie, Madi, Kaycee Jo, Wyatt, Katelynn and Haylee. He is also survived by his brother, Martin Huggins (Neta); and
WHEREAS, "We send our thoughts and prayers to Commissioner Huggins' family and friends," said Mississippi Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. "Huggins leaves a great legacy and served a historic role within the Department of Public Safety, Mississippi Highway Patrol and the State of Mississippi. He will be greatly missed." David's love, commitment and lasting impact on his family and the Mississippi Highway Patrol will be missed:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the life and public service of former Chief of the Mississippi Highway Patrol and Commissioner of Public Safety and former Sergeant at Arms of the Mississippi Senate David Richard Huggins and express the sympathy of the Legislature on his passing and our thanks for sharing David with us and with the State of Mississippi.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the family of Commissioner David Richard Huggins and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
