07 LC 35
0619
House
Resolution 797
By:
Representatives Drenner of the
86th,
Henson of the
87th,
and Benfield of the
85th
A
RESOLUTION
Recognizing
and commending the Clarkston International Chaplains Corps; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS,
the Clarkston Georgia Police Department established Georgia's first
international chaplains corps in March 26, 2006, and since that time the corps
has grown to more than 14 pastor members; and
WHEREAS,
the creation of this valuable group was inspired by a tragic incident in
Clarkston involving a fire in an apartment complex where police officers were
unable to communicate with or console victims because the victims and many of
their family members could not speak English; and
WHEREAS,
Clarkston's Police Chief, Tony Scipio, was deeply moved by this tragic event,
and this caring leader was determined to overcome the cultural differences and
language barriers between his officers and the migrant residents in the
Clarkston community; and
WHEREAS,
the chaplains who make up the corps are men and women from various backgrounds
and religious faiths who offer their assistance around the clock, 24-7, giving
tremendous comfort to those at a time when they are most in need of comforting,
and these services are provided by such chaplains often at great personal
sacrifice to themselves and their families; and
WHEREAS,
the City of Clarkston is one of the most diverse cities in Georgia, and these
devoted chaplain volunteers are able to provide loving comfort to many in their
time of great despair and fear; and
WHEREAS,
the City of Clarkston has lived up to its motto and is truly a "small town with
a big heart"; and
WHEREAS,
currently the Clarkston International Chaplains Corps members include Chief
Raleigh Rucker, Sr., Assistant Chief Robert C. White, Jr., Chaplain Shonda
Jones, Chaplain Mathew Koshy, Chaplain Calvin Otis Adams, Jr., Chaplain Leoncio
Romero, Chaplain Peter Nehsahn, Chaplain Molley Cooper, Chaplain Latonya Rucker,
Chaplain Freddie V. Aquino, Chaplain Johnny Mincey, Chaplain Phil Kitchens, and
Chaplain Karl D. Moore; and
WHEREAS,
these chaplains positively impact Clarkston police officers and the citizens of
their community, thereby contributing to the safety and emotional well-being of
our state, and it is only fitting and proper that their valuable services be
recognized.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body join in recognizing the Clarkston International Chaplains Corps for
their service to Georgia and commend them for their personal sacrifice,
commitment, and their untiring dedication to the citizens of this
state.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to Police Chief
Tony Scipio, the Clarkston International Chaplains Corp, and the Mayor of the
City of Clarkston.