Bill Text: SC H5507 | 2019-2020 | 123rd General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Chief Gerald L. Brooks
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 79-44)
Status: (Passed) 2020-06-24 - Introduced and adopted [H5507 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2019-H5507-Introduced.html
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO CONGRATULATE CHIEF OF POLICE GERALD L. BROOKS UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE GREENWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT, TO THANK HIM FOR HIS NEARLY THREE DECADES OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
Whereas, since November 1991, the City of Greenwood has enjoyed the benefit of the dedication, experience, and leadership of Chief of Police Gerald L. Brooks, who soon will retire from his post after almost three decades of distinguished service; and
Whereas, in addition to earning his bachelor's degree from The Citadel, Gerald Brooks earned an associate's degree in criminal justice from Piedmont Technical College. He also graduated from the Southern Police Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, and the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia; and
Whereas, upon graduating from The Citadel, the young Gerald Brooks returned home to Greenwood and decided to apply for a job with the sheriff's department. He was hired by former Greenwood Sheriff Giles Daniel and later went on to become a captain with the State Law Enforcement Division, where he was a special agent in charge of the arson team and bomb squad. Then came the offer from the Greenwood Police Department to serve as chief. After thinking and praying about it with family, he decided to take the post; and
Whereas, working alongside a supportive mayor, council, and city manager, Chief Brooks felt he had the skilled personnel and administrative backing he needed. He drafted a mission statement and list of objectives that he had all officers reference. If things they did failed to accomplish one of their objectives, then it was time to reevaluate. Those values and goals he wrote early in his time as chief would later become the first two pages of the policy and procedures manual the department would adopt. They would be critical in getting the department nationally accredited; and
Whereas, the Greenwood Police Department's first accreditation came in 1998. No other agency in the Lakelands had achieved that goal, and Chief Brooks said it was the result of work from every employee in the department. The department's most recent accreditation came with commendations and honors few agencies can boast; and
Whereas, Chief Brooks believes strongly in personal involvement with his community, and his convictions have led him to serve that community, as well as the broader community of South Carolina, in a wide range of church, civic, and professional activities. He is a past president of the South Carolina Police Chiefs Association, as well as a past member of the Governor's Task Force on Domestic Violence; and
Whereas, the House of Representatives, grateful for the legacy of consistent commitment and excellence Chief Brooks has bestowed on the people of South Carolina, most particularly on those of Greenwood, takes great pleasure in wishing him well as he enters retirement and trusts he will find much enjoyment in the more leisurely pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Chief of Police Gerald L. Brooks upon the occasion of his retirement from the Greenwood Police Department, thank him for his nearly three decades of outstanding service, and wish him continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Greenwood Chief of Police Gerald L. Brooks.
