SENATE RESOLUTION 10

(By Senators Weld, Queen, Woelfel, Caputo, Hamilton, Plymale, Chapman, and Rucker)

[Introduced January 19, 2023]

Recognizing West Virginia Sheriffs at the Legislature on January 20, 2023.

Whereas, The health and safety of all West Virginians is important to the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of our Mountain State’s families and communities; and

Whereas, Sheriffs of the 55 counties are the only Constitutional law enforcement officials in the State of West Virginia and have served our counties since the establishment of our state on June 20, 1863; and

Whereas, West Virginia is the home of 55 dedicated sheriffs and more than 1,100 Deputy Sheriffs who work to be the best prepared at a moment’s notice to risk injury and death to themselves in order to save lives and property of others, and keep our communities safe; and

Whereas, West Virginia Sheriffs serve an additional duty as Treasurer of each county and with Tax Deputies serve and work to collect taxes and secure the funding for all the services provided in each county; and

Whereas, The West Virginia Sheriffs’ Association was organized and formed with its founding members on August 10, 1905, and dedicated to the protection of life and property of the public through service to our sheriffs and our citizens; and

Whereas, The impact of West Virginia Sheriffs can be found across the United States with their active participation in the National Sheriffs’ Association and their more than 3,000 counterparts across our great Nation; and

Whereas, For well over 150 years, the foundation of service which began with the original West Virginia Sheriffs, continues today as they answer thousands of calls for service each year to protect our schools, workplaces, roadways, and homes; and

Whereas, The Sheriffs are the first point of contact for those seeking help and have an untold impact upon the safety and comfort of West Virginia citizens as well as entire local communities; and

Whereas, The West Virginia Sheriffs and their network of dedicated professionals working to shape a better and safer West Virginia have earned the respect and admiration of the public, community, and state it serves. Therefore, it is our privilege to honor those individuals who exemplify integrity, commitment, and care for the benefit of our state and our people; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate recognizes the West Virginia Sherriff's at the Legislature on January 20, 2023, and their commitment to the citizens; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia Sheriff's Association.