06 LC
38 0052
House
Resolution 1290
By:
Representatives Barnard of the
166th,
Day of the
163rd,
Hill of the
21st,
Scheid of the
22nd,
and Byrd of the
20th
A
RESOLUTION
Commending
Deputy Patrick Neal on winning the Peace Officer of the Year Award for Valor;
and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
on August 10, 2004, Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Deputy Patrick Neal's
actions demonstrated heroic character, courage, and dedication to his job; and
WHEREAS,
on that day, Deputy Neal, while attempting to deliver felony warrants to a man
wanted for first degree forgery and probation violations in Woodstock, found
himself in the midst of a confrontation for which he could not have prepared
himself; and
WHEREAS,
while waiting for back-up to arrive, Deputy Neal believed the suspect recognized
his presence and was about to attempt to flee on foot, and he maneuvered his
patrol car in front of the truck; and
WHEREAS,
the suspect reached into the truck arming himself with a .45 caliber
semiautomatic pistol forcing Deputy Neal to draw his own weapon;
and
WHEREAS,
after the suspect shot him in the face, knocking him to the ground, Deputy Neal,
demonstrating incredible fortitude, managed to return fire and get to his feet
to go to cover; and
WHEREAS,
within one minute, some 22 rounds were exchanged, with only 15 feet separating
the two men; and
WHEREAS,
in addition to the wound to his face, Deputy Neal received three shots to the
chest, all of which were thankfully stopped by his ballistic vest, and suffered
a wound to his leg resulting in his lower leg shattering; and
WHEREAS,
despite these serious injuries, Deputy Neal held his ground against the
suspect's assault and ultimately fatally wounded the suspect; and
WHEREAS,
in honor of his incredible execution of his duties under fire and unique
bravery, Deputy Neal has been awarded the Peace Officer of the Year Award for
Valor by the Peace Officers Association of Georgia; and
WHEREAS,
all Georgians owe a tremendous debt of gratitude for the courageous and noble
service of this outstanding officer.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body join in commending Deputy Patrick Neal on being awarded the Peace
Officer of the Year Award for Valor and thank him for his heroic service to the
people of Georgia.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Deputy
Patrick Neal.