HR 849: Mapes, Trooper First Class; commend

House Resolution 849

By: Representative Hitchens of the 161st

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Trooper First Class Mapes; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, on the evening of November 30, 2024, Trooper First Class (TFC) Mapes and his trainee, Trooper Cadet South, were patrolling Interstate 20 westbound in Rockdale County; and

WHEREAS, they observed two vehicles traveling over 100 mph, matching each other's speed, and clearly displaying signs of racing; and

WHEREAS, the vehicles immediately exited off the interstate onto Sigman Road; one vehicle continued straight northbound, while the second vehicle quickly turned right into the gas station; and

WHEREAS, the second vehicle came to a sudden stop, the driver and passenger doors immediately flung open, and both occupants jumped out and fled on foot; and

WHEREAS, both TFC Mapes and Cadet South immediately sprung into action and gave chase, with Cadet South pursuing the driver and TFC Mapes pursuing the passenger; and

WHEREAS, TFC Mapes began to close the distance, and at some point, the passenger produced a handgun and began firing at him; and

WHEREAS, after being fired upon by the violator, without hesitation, with complete disregard for his own life, and with only the safety of the general public in mind, TFC Mapes began to engage the violent suspect with his service weapon; and

WHEREAS, in an act that could only be described as incredibly courageous and showing immense intestinal fortitude, TFC Mapes continued to engage the suspect even after being struck by gunfire himself; and

WHEREAS, in a split second, Trooper Cadet South made the decision to let the driver go and, without any hesitation and with complete disregard for his own life and safety, ran toward active gunfire to support and aid TFC Mapes; and

WHEREAS, the heroism displayed by these law enforcement professionals is nothing short of extraordinary; and

WHEREAS, TFC Mapes' efficient and effective commitment to excellence has been recognized through the many decorations and awards he has received, including the International Association of Chief's of Police South Region Trooper of the Year Award and the Trooper of the Year for the United States; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that gratitude is expressed for the unique and often unheralded contributions of local law enforcement professionals on behalf of the citizens of this state.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body commend the care, courage, sympathy, and selfless dedication exhibited by Trooper First Class Mapes in carrying out the difficult duties of his vocation and express their utmost appreciation for having so purely and truly defined for others the meaning of public servant.

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 Trooper First Class Mapes.