HR849: HR849 Mapes, Trooper First Class; commend

25 LC 112 3560 House Resolution 849 By: Representative Hitchens of the 161st A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Trooper First Class Mapes; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, on the evening of November 30, 2024, Trooper First Class (TFC) Mapes and2 his trainee, Trooper Cadet South, were patrolling Interstate 20 westbound in Rockdale3 County; and 4 WHEREAS, they observed two vehicles traveling over 100 mph, mat ching each other's5 speed, and clearly displaying signs of racing; and 6 WHEREAS, the vehicles immediately exited off the interstate ont o Sigman Road; one7 vehicle continued straight northbound, while the second vehicle quickly turned right into the8 gas station; and 9 WHEREAS, the second vehicle came to a sudden stop, the driver a nd passenger doors10 immediately flung open, and both occupants jumped out and fled on foot; and 11 WHEREAS, both TFC Mapes and Cadet South immediately sprung into action and gave12 chase, with Cadet South pursuing the driver and TFC Mapes pursuing the passenger; and13 H. R. 849 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3560 WHEREAS, TFC Mapes began to close the distance, and at some poi nt, the passenger14 produced a handgun and began firing at him; and 15 WHEREAS, after being fired upon by the violator, without hesita tion, with complete16 disregard for his own life, and with only the safety of the general public in mind, TFC Mapes17 began to engage the violent suspect with his service weapon; and 18 WHEREAS, in an act that could only be described as incredibly c ourageous and showing19 immense intestinal fortitude, TFC Mapes continued to engage the suspect even after being20 struck by gunfire himself; and 21 WHEREAS, in a split second, Trooper Cadet South made the decisi on to let the driver go22 and, without any hesitation and with complete disregard for his own life and safety, ran23 toward active gunfire to support and aid TFC Mapes; and 24 WHEREAS, the heroism displayed by these law enforcement professionals is nothing short25 of extraordinary; and26 WHEREAS, TFC Mapes' efficient and effective commitment to excel lence has been27 recognized through the many decorations and awards he has recei ved, including the28 International Association of Chief's of Police South Region Trooper of the Year Award and29 the Trooper of the Year for the United States; and30 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that gratitude is expressed for the unique and31 often unheralded contributions of local law enforcement profess ionals on behalf of the32 citizens of this state.33 H. R. 849 - 2 - 25 LC 112 3560 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that34 the members of this body commend the care, courage, sympathy, a nd selfless dedication35 exhibited by Trooper First Class Mapes in carrying out the difficult duties of his vocation and36 express their utmost appreciation for having so purely and trul y defined for others the37 meaning of public servant.38 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized39 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution ava ilable for distribution to40 Trooper First Class Mapes. 41 H. R. 849 - 3 -