GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2017

H                                                                                                                                                    1

HOUSE RESOLUTION 987

Sponsors:	Representatives Setzer, Howard, Henson, and G. Martin (Primary Sponsors). For a complete list of sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly web site.
Referred to:	Calendar 5/24/2018

May 23, 2018

A HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING THE STATE HIGHWAY PATROL AND PAYING TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO HAVE DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY.

Whereas, between 1921 and 1929, the number of registered vehicles in North Carolina increased from 150,558 to 503,590; and

Whereas, on March 18, 1929, the General Assembly enacted legislation to establish a State Highway Patrol to patrol the State's highways, enforce the motor vehicle laws, and assist the motoring public; and

Whereas, the State's first Highway Patrol training school began on May 20, 1929, at Camp Glenn near Morehead City; and

Whereas, on July 1, 1929, 37 of the 42 participants who completed the training were sworn in as members of the State Highway Patrol; and

Whereas, initially, Patrol officers were issued Harley‑Davidson motorcycles, lieutenants were issued Ford Model A Coupes, and the Patrol commander was issued a Buick automobile; and

Whereas, in 1937, all Patrol officers were assigned individual vehicles, and the legislature authorized a statewide radio system for the purpose of coordinating operations and improving the efficiency of the Highway Patrol; and

Whereas, today, the State Highway Patrol consists of more than 1,600 officers and over 600 civilians; and

Whereas, for 89 years, the State Highway Patrol has not only stayed true to its mission of enforcing the State's motor vehicle laws and reducing the number of collisions on North Carolina's 78,000 miles of highways but also handled other duties such as guiding traffic during severe weather conditions and rerouting traffic around hazardous chemical spills; and

Whereas, the officers of the State Highway Patrol have dutifully served the citizens of this State despite the danger Patrol officers often encounter; and

Whereas, more than 60 officers have lost their lives in the line of duty, including Trooper Samuel N. Bullard, who was killed on May 21, 2018, in a vehicle collision on Interstate 77 in Yadkin County during a pursuit. Trooper Bullard was a three‑year veteran of the State Highway Patrol and was assigned to Surry County; and

Whereas, it is important to recognize and acknowledge the State Highway Patrol for its invaluable service to the citizens of North Carolina; Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

SECTION 1. The House of Representatives honors the memory of the members of the State Highway Patrol who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

SECTION 2. The House of Representatives acknowledges those who have served the State Highway Patrol for their dedication and commitment in making North Carolina's highways safe.

SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.