HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 420 Offered March 1, 2006 Celebrating the life of Officer Courtney Lamont Dickerson. ---------- Patrons-- Marshall, D.W. and Hurt; Senator: Hawkins ----------

WHEREAS, Courtney Lamont Dickerson, a Danville police officer, died on November 11, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Officer Dickerson was killed when his police cruiser crashed while he was responding to an alarm, becoming the first Danville officer to be killed in the line of duty in 84 years; and

WHEREAS, born in Pittsylvania County, Courtney Dickerson graduated from Tunstall High School and attended Danville Community College; and

WHEREAS, Courtney Dickerson was a graduate of the Police Training Academy and had been a member of the Danville police force for 15 months and he was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police; and

WHEREAS, Officer Dickerson was recognized by his superior officers as a dedicated young police officer who learned quickly and whose career showed great promise; and

WHEREAS, Courtney Dickerson was a loving husband, a doting father to his 3-year-old son, and a man with an engaging and happy personality whom others enjoyed; and

WHEREAS, Courtney Dickerson's tragic death is a reminder of the risks taken by police officers and all first responders who dedicate themselves to protecting the safety and well-being of their fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Officer Courtney Lamont Dickerson; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Courtney Lamont Dickerson as an expression of the General Assembly's heartfelt regret at his death and sincere appreciation for his service and sacrifice.