GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1989

S	1 

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 866

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Sponsors: Senators Raynor and Tally.

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Referred to:  

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April 11, 1989

A JOINT RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF OTTIS FRANKLIN JONES, FORMER SHERIFF OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Whereas, Ottis Franklin Jones was born on December 29, 1931, in the town of Erwin; and
Whereas, Ottis Franklin was raised in Erwin and attended Erwin High School; and
Whereas, Ottis Franklin Jones moved to Cumberland County and joined the sheriff's department in September 1953; and
Whereas, Ottis Franklin Jones was appointed sheriff in 1972; and
Whereas, in 1974, Ottis Franklin Jones ran for sheriff and was elected to a four-year term of office by defeating his opponents by a very comfortable margin; and
Whereas, in 1978, Ottis Franklin Jones was reelected sheriff by carrying every single precinct in the county and defeating four opponents by taking sixty-eight percent (68%) of the vote; and
Whereas, Ottis Franklin Jones was reelected as sheriff in 1982 and 1986 and was unopposed in both elections; and
Whereas, Ottis Franklin Jones was instrumental in working towards the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association in becoming more involved in statewide legislation that provided more and better quality law enforcement for the citizens of the 100 counties throughout the State in the 1970's; and
Whereas, Ottis Franklin Jones served the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association in many capacities, including Second Vice-President from 1979 to 1980; First Vice-President from 1980 to 1981; President from the 1981 to 1982; Chairman from 1982 to 1983; and member of the Executive Committee from 1983 to 1987; and
Whereas, Ottis Franklin Jones promoted the formation of the North Carolina Sheriffs' Training and Standards Commission, which allowed the sheriffs of North Carolina to devise training courses which are geared directly to the type of law enforcement duties performed by deputies, and was elected chairman in 1984 and served in that position until 1987; and
Whereas, Ottis Franklin Jones was the first sheriff in North Carolina to establish a platoon of motorcycles for use in providing escorts, special assignments, traffic control, and various other related duties; and
Whereas, Ottis Franklin Jones was the first sheriff to recognize the need for and to hire a full-time Chaplain; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Sheriffs' Chaplains Association was formed in 1985; and
Whereas, Ottis Franklin Jones established a gymnasium inside the Law Enforcement Center that is accessible to the officers on a 24 hours a day, seven days as week basis; and
Whereas, Ottis Franklin Jones was known throughout the State for his feelings on the constitutional authority of the "Office of Sheriff”and was outspoken on his position; and
Whereas, Ottis Franklin Jones felt that the "Sheriff”was the office through which the people exercise their right to decide who should be the chief law enforcement officer of their county and he tried very hard to uphold the confidence and responsibilities which the people of Cumberland County entrusted to him; and
Whereas, Ottis Franklin Jones was a member of the Lebanon Baptist Church; and
Whereas, Ottis Franklin Jones was devoted to his community and served as a member of many organizations, including the Lions Club, the Optimist Club, Fayetteville State University's Center for Continuing Education, the Executive Board of Directors of the Falcon Children's Home, the Advisory Council for Vocational Education for the Cumberland County School System, Mason with the Creasey Proctor Lodge, the Shriners, the Region M Criminal Justice Training Council, and the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Systems Council; and
Whereas, Ottis Franklin Jones died on November 30, 1987, as is survived by his wife, Ila; his son, Frankie and his daughter, Donna; and
Whereas, Ottis Franklin Jones will be remembered by all who knew him as a man devoted to his family, his profession, and his community;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
Section 1.  The General Assembly wishes to honor the life and memory of Ottis Franklin Jones and expresses the deep gratitude and appreciation of this State and its citizens, particularly those of Cumberland County for his life and service to law enforcement.
Sec. 2.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Ottis Franklin Jones.
Sec. 3.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.