Explanation
Title
To recognize and commend Columbus Police Chief James Jackson for his 50 years of distinguished service to the City of Columbus on the occasion of his retirement from the Columbus Division of Police March 16, 2009.
Body
WHEREAS, Columbus Police Chief James Jackson graduated from the police academy and became a patrol officer in 1958, was promoted to sergeant in 1967, lieutenant in 1971, captain in 1974, and deputy chief in 1977; and
WHEREAS, on June 15, 1990, James Jackson became the first African-American police chief in Columbus and served in that capacity for more than 18 years; and
WHEREAS, one of his first priorities as chief was for the Division to become accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., which the Division achieved for the first time in July 1999; and
WHEREAS, during his historic and remarkable career, Chief Jackson constantly strived to secure the necessary personnel, equipment and resources to make this Division the epitome of professionalism; and
WHEREAS, Chief Jackson implemented many programs to enhance the public's respect, trust and confidence in the Columbus Division of Police; and
WHEREAS, among the high points of his career, Chief Jackson includes helping women and minorities gain a greater presence on the police force; and
WHEREAS, among his many honors and awards, Chief Jackson received the 2005 National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives Lloyd Sealy Award for his outstanding service in the field of criminal justice; and
WHEREAS, Chief Jackson was the longest-serving chief in the Division's history and was the longest active serving chief of any metropolitan city in the United States and Canada; and
WHEREAS, Chief Jackson's 50-year legacy will be forever memorialized through the naming of the Columbus Police Academy in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Chief James Jackson retired on March 16, 2009 after 50 years of commendable service to the citizens of Columbus with the Columbus Division of Police; now; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize and commend Columbus Police Chief James Jackson for his 50 years of distinguished service to the City of Columbus on the occasion of his retirement March 16, 2009.