HR 2040: Leslie, Mr. Jack; extraordinary service and dedication to the safety and well-being of students and families in DeKalb County; commend

House Resolution 2040

By: Representative Scott of the 76th

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Mr. Jack Leslie for his extraordinary service and dedication to the safety and well-being of students and families in DeKalb County; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Mr. Jack Leslie has faithfully dedicated more than 25 years of service to the DeKalb County community as a School Crossing Guard, ensuring the safety of countless students and families with vigilance, care, and consistency; and

WHEREAS, prior to his role as a Crossing Guard, Mr. Leslie served honorably with the DeKalb County Public Safety Department and later joined the DeKalb County School District, where he has been a trusted and respected presence supporting faculty, staff, students, and families across several South DeKalb schools; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Leslie's commitment to public service spans more than four decades, including a distinguished 41-year career with the City of Atlanta, from which he retired as a supervisor, exemplifying leadership, integrity, and professionalism; and

WHEREAS, even in retirement, Mr. Leslie continued to serve others as a K-Mart door greeter before pursuing his passion for school safety, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to community engagement and service; and

WHEREAS, a proud native of Atlanta and one of 14 siblings, Mr. Leslie was raised in the historic Mechanicville community and has remained deeply rooted in service and family values; and

WHEREAS, he shared 36 years of marriage with his beloved late wife, Henrietta, and together they raised four children, building a legacy of love, strength, and resilience in the Columbia Woods community, where he has resided for more than 50 years; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Leslie is the proud grandfather of six grandchildren and great-grandfather of 11 great-grandchildren, all of whom reflect the enduring impact of his guidance, wisdom, and devotion; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his outstanding service, Mr. Leslie was honored with the Crossing Guard of the Year Award in 2021, a testament to his unwavering dedication, reliability, and excellence; and

WHEREAS, known for his remarkable work ethic, Mr. Leslie begins each day at 5:00 AM, arriving early to his post to ensure the safety of students, demonstrating a level of commitment that goes far beyond duty and reflects true servant leadership; and

WHEREAS, he has cultivated strong relationships with school staff and takes great pride in being an active and valued part of the school community, particularly at Toney Elementary School, where his presence brings comfort and reassurance to students and families alike; and

WHEREAS, outside of his service, Mr. Leslie enjoys fishing, nurturing fruit trees around his home, watching western films, and spending quality time with his beloved family, embodying a life of balance, joy, and purpose; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Jack Leslie stands as a true "community warrior," whose lifelong dedication to public service, safety, and family reflects the highest ideals of citizenship and deserves recognition and honor.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize and commend Mr. Jack Leslie for his outstanding service, unwavering dedication, and immeasurable contributions to the DeKalb County community and the State of Georgia.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Mr. Jack Leslie.