HR1985: HR1985 Hairston, Ruben; induction into the Fort Valley State Hall of Fame; commend

26 LC 112 4085 House Resolution 1985 By: Representatives Buckner of the 137th, Huddleston of the 72nd, and Smith of the 138th A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Ruben Hairston upon his induction into the Fort Valley State1 Hall of Fame; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, Ruben Hairston has distinguished himself through a lifetime of achievement in3 athletics, public service, and community leadership, earning recognition for his contributions4 both on and off the field; and5 WHEREAS, during his collegiate football career, Ruben Hairston earned Southern6 Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player, Recei ver of the Year, and7 Offensive Player of the Year honors in 1977 and was named to the All-SIAC Football Team8 in 1979, establishing himself as one of the conference's premier athletes; and9 WHEREAS, he advanced thereafter to the professional level as a wide receiver with the10 Detroit Lions in 1979 and the Kansas City Chiefs in 1980, and h e continues to support11 football and youth development as founder of the West Georgia Youth Football Camp; and12 WHEREAS, transitioning to a career in public service, Ruben Hai rston began his work in13 law enforcement in 1982 as a deputy sheriff in Peach County, Georgia, later serving as part14 H. R. 1985 - 1 - 26 LC 112 4085 of the Troup County Sheriff's Office and as a magistrate judge in the Troup County15 Magistrate Court; and16 WHEREAS, he further distinguished himself through his service w ith the Troup County17 Marshal's Office, where he made history the first African American chief marshal in the State18 of Georgia, as well as his role of chief investigator for the Department of Agriculture; and19 WHEREAS, his exemplary service in law enforcement was recognized statewide when he20 was named Chief of the Year in 2002 and runner-up for Chief of the Year in 2001 by the21 Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police; and22 WHEREAS, is it abundantly fitting and proper that this exceptio nal individual be23 appropriately honored during this special time.24 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that25 the members of this body recognize and commend Ruben Hairston upon the grand occasion26 of his well-deserved induction into the Fort Valley State Hall of Fame and extend the most27 sincere best wishes for continued health and happiness.28 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized29 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution ava ilable for distribution to30 Ruben Hairston.31 H. R. 1985 - 2 -