TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE CORPORAL CONNIE FLEMING STRICKLAND, THE FIRST WOMAN PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF CORPORAL IN THE HISTORY OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY PATROL, FOR HER OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND FOR HER NOTABLE ROLE IN PAVING THE WAY FOR WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP WITHIN THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY PATROL.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Corporal Connie Fleming Strickland as an incredible leader and pioneer in the field of law enforcement; and
Whereas, a native of Greenville County, Corporal Connie Fleming Strickland was born on November 4, 1964, to parents Cecil Lee Fleming, Sr. and Mary Ann Jordan. She graduated from Rock Hill High School in June 1983 and the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy on May 29, 1987; and
Whereas, Corporal Strickland began her career with the South Carolina Highway Patrol on March 8, 1987 and was initially stationed in Charleston County, in what was then considered District Six, as a road trooper. After eighteen months, she was promoted to the rank of trooper first class, and on October 11, 1992, she was promoted to the rank of corporal. She ultimately retired from law enforcement in November of 1997; and
Whereas, with a wide range of skills and interests, Corporal Strickland has also served with the Department of Motor Vehicles, in the medical field, with her own private investigation firm, and as an instructor for concealed weapons permits with the State Law Enforcement Division; and
Whereas, throughout her career, Corporal Strickland has received a number of honors and awards, including the Supervisor's Employee of the Month Award in 1997, a nomination for the Albert T. Leppert Memorial Award by the Metropolitan Civitan Club of Charleston, and plaques for outstanding police work in the Charleston community in 1993 and 1995; and
Whereas, she has been married to her devoted husband, Fernoy Strickland, since June of 1997; and
Whereas, a devout Christian, Corporal Strickland is a member of State Street Baptist Church; and
Whereas, in her free time, Corporal Strickland enjoys beach life, the shooting range, and serving others in whatever way she can; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are grateful for the diligence and commitment that Corporal Strickland has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina and are honored to recognize the impressive mark that she has made on South Carolina history. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, honor and recognize Corporal Connie Fleming Strickland, the first woman promoted to the rank of corporal in the history of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, for her outstanding service to the State of South Carolina and for her notable role in paving the way for women's leadership within the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Corporal Connie Fleming Strickland.