MS SC681

Commemorates the 40th anniversary of the first African-American sworn troopers in the Mississippi Highway Patrol, marking an achievement in state history.

Recognizes three African-Americans commissioned on September 1, 1972: Walter C. Crosby, Sr. (assigned to Gulfport District), Richard Williams (assigned to Driver's License, Jackson District), and Lewis Younger (assigned to Jackson District Enforcement).

Notes that these three officers graduated from Class No. 12, which began training on June 18, 1972, with five African-American cadets among 52 total cadets in the class.

Acknowledges L.M. Claiborne's appointment in 2000 as the first African-American Colonel of the Mississippi Highway Patrol, after beginning his career in December 1980 and progressing through various ranks including Sergeant First Class and Captain.

Directs that this resolution be presented to the Commissioner of Public Safety for distribution and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.