Senate Concurrent Resolution 510

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND PAYING TRIBUTE TO JACKSON POLICE DEPARTMENT VETERAN BRUCE DANIEL JACOB WHO WAS LOST IN THE LINE OF DUTY.

WHEREAS, a day after Jackson Police Officer Bruce Daniel Jacob lost his life in the line of duty, friends and colleagues remembered his sense of humor and friendly demeanor; and

WHEREAS, Jacob, a Precinct Four Officer with five years on the force, died July 20, 2013, on I-55 near Northside Drive in Jackson when he was struck by a vehicle while clearing debris off the roadway. Police Chief Lindsey Horton said Jacob had retrieved a barbecue grill that had fallen onto the interstate and was placing it into the trunk of his patrol car when another vehicle hit him from behind; and

WHEREAS, Jacob, 35, entered the Jackson Police Department Training Academy in 2009, as a member of its 45th Recruitment Class. Jacob spoke to The Clarion-Ledger while at the Academy in 2009 about his training.

"It's been the most mentally and physically grueling thing I've ever gone through," he said then. "They really push you hard. They push you to your breaking point, and beyond." Jacob's perseverance throughout the academy translated into his work in the field. He was the type of person who would miss his break time in order to make sure whoever needed backup had it; and

WHEREAS, Officer Jacob was a five-year veteran of the Jackson Police Department, and was a member of Church of God of Prophecy in Pearl. Bruce loved his cars and motorcycles, and had a special love for his three dogs-Spunky, Molly and Buddy; and

WHEREAS, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba released a statement on Jacob's death: "Our police officers put their lives on the line every minute of everyday. Today, we suffered another tragic and senseless loss of one of Jackson's chosen. I acknowledge and appreciate the commitment and service of Officer Bruce Jacob. May God bless his loving wife and family and may God bless our officers"; and

WHEREAS, Jacob is the 16th Jackson Police Officer to die in the line of duty. The name of each officer before him is etched in stone on the Jackson Police Department Memorial Wall in front of the Jackson Police Department Headquarters. The list dates back to 1893; and

WHEREAS, Officer Jacob was preceded in death by his father, George Richard Johnson, Jr. He survived by his wife, Jennifer Jacob of Florence; mother, Paula Johnson of Pelahatchie; mother-in-law, Ann Hudson of Florence; brother, Kurt Johnson (Angie) of Pearl; sisters, Sandy Johnson Alvarez (Estevan) of Brandon and Crystal Daniels (David) of Pearl. His is also survived by his nephews, Ryan and Brian Daniels of Pearl; and

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this law enforcement professional who was a wonderful example for all public servants and is to be commended for a legacy of leadership and dedication to his community and his state:

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 death and pay tribute to Jackson Police Department Veteran Bruce Daniel Jacob who was lost in the line of duty on July 20, 2013, and extend to his surviving family our condolences on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Officer Jacobs, forwarded to the Mayor and City Council of the City of Jackson, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.