Bill Text: SC S0814 | 2017-2018 | 122nd General Assembly | Comm Sub
Bill Title: Officer James Owens Jr. Memorial Intersection
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-03-22 - Adopted, returned to Senate with concurrence [S0814 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2017-S0814-Comm_Sub.html
COMMITTEE REPORT
March 21, 2018
S. 814
S. Printed 3/21/18--H.
Read the first time February 22, 2018.
To whom was referred a Concurrent Resolution (S. 814) to request the Department of Transportation name the intersection located at the junction of Calhoun and Rutledge streets in the City of Charleston "Officer James Owens, Jr. Memorial Intersection", etc., respectfully
That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass:
JIMMY C. BALES for Committee.
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF CALHOUN AND RUTLEDGE STREETS IN THE CITY OF CHARLESTON "OFFICER JAMES OWENS, JR. MEMORIAL INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THIS DESIGNATION.
Whereas, James Owens, Jr., was born on December 1, 1933, in Charleston, South Carolina, one of seven children of James Owens, Sr., and Martha Gregg Owens. He attended Charleston County area schools and while in his teens, worked at the local post office; and
Whereas, he was joined in marriage to Shirley Mack Owens and together they were blessed with a large family. The family attended Gethsemane Baptist Church in Charleston; and
Whereas, Owens joined the United States Army at the young age of seventeen, serving abroad at posts in Germany and Korea. Completing his military service, Owens spent several years with the Charleston County Fire Department. He later joined the Charleston County Police Department, becoming one of the county's first African-American policemen. He was described as an easy going officer who seemed to enjoy tough investigations; and
Whereas, it was in this line of duty, on May 11, 1968, while transporting a just-arrested criminal to the county jail, that the suspect produced a .22 caliber handgun shooting Owens four times. Mortally wounded, the 34-year-old patrolman died in the westbound lane of Calhoun Street; and
Whereas, with May 11, 2018, marking the fiftieth anniversary of this tragic event, it would be fitting and proper to pay tribute to the heroic deeds of Patrolman Owens by naming an intersection in the City of Charleston in his honor. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the Department of Transportation name the intersection located at the junction of Calhoun and Rutledge streets in the City of Charleston "Officer James Owens, Jr. Memorial Intersection" and erect appropriate markers or signs at this location containing this designation.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.
