HR849: HR849 Mapes, Trooper First Class; commend

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives honors Trooper First Class Mapes for his conduct during a November 30, 2024 incident on Interstate 20 in Rockdale County. According to the resolution, Mapes and his trainee, Cadet South, stopped two vehicles suspected of racing, and when the occupants fled on foot, a passenger shot at Mapes, who returned fire and kept engaging the suspect even after being struck by gunfire himself. The resolution states that Mapes has received awards including the International Association of Chiefs of Police South Region Trooper of the Year Award and the national Trooper of the Year award. It formally commends his courage and dedication and directs the Clerk of the House to provide him a copy of the resolution. Resolutions like this have no regulatory effect and do not change Georgia law.

• Formally commends Trooper First Class Mapes for his courage and conduct during a November 30, 2024 shooting incident on Interstate 20.
• Recounts the incident in which Mapes was shot at and returned fire while pursuing a fleeing suspect, and continued after being struck himself.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Trooper Mapes.
• Does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia statute; it is a ceremonial expression of appreciation by the House.

The resolution directly names and honors Trooper First Class Mapes of the Georgia State Patrol. It also references his trainee, Trooper Cadet South, and reflects on law enforcement officers generally, though it creates no legal obligations for any group.

While the resolution has no legal effect on Georgians, it is an official record of the House recognizing a specific act of law enforcement heroism, and it directs an official copy be given to the officer honored.

• Whereas clauses describe the November 30, 2024 incident on Interstate 20 in Rockdale County involving suspected racing, a foot chase, and gunfire exchanged between a suspect and TFC Mapes.
• Notes TFC Mapes' prior awards, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police South Region Trooper of the Year Award and the national Trooper of the Year award.
• The resolving clause formally commends Mapes' care, courage, sympathy, and dedication.
• A further resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy available for distribution to TFC Mapes.

1. 2025-03-28House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-03-28House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-28House Hopper (House)

• Bill Hitchens (R, HD-161)Primary sponsor

• law enforcement recognition
• Georgia State Patrol
• legislative honors
• public safety