A HOUSE RESOLUTION honoring the eighty‑fifth anniversary of 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 that 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 Model A Ford 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 400 civilians; and
Whereas, for 85 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 George I. Thompson, the first State Highway Patrol officer to be killed in the line of duty. Officer Thompson was killed on July 2, 1929, while riding a motorcycle on the way to his assigned duty station; and
Whereas, on the 85th anniversary of the State Highway Patrol, it is important to recognize and acknowledge this organization 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 congratulates the State Highway Patrol on its 85th anniversary and acknowledges those who have served this organization for their dedication and commitment in making North Carolina's highways safe.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.