S*0103 Resolution, By Moore
 A Senate Resolution to recognize First Sergeant Julian Lee Thigpen of Aiken
 upon his retirement from the South Carolina Highway Patrol and to wish him
 well in his future endeavors.

   01/12/93  Senate Introduced and adopted SJ-53

A SENATE RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE FIRST SERGEANT JULIAN LEE THIGPEN OF AIKEN UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY PATROL AND TO WISH HIM WELL IN HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, First Sergeant Julian Lee Thigpen of Aiken retired December 31, 1992, after a successful and rewarding thirty-year career in law enforcement; and

Whereas, born January 24, 1942, in Clarendon County, Sergeant Thigpen moved to Sumter at the age of four years and graduated from Edmunds High School, which is now Sumter High, in 1961; and

Whereas, Sergeant Thigpen joined the United States Army Reserve in 1960, served six months active duty June to December, 1961, and was discharged from the reserves in 1966; and

Whereas, appointed to the South Carolina Highway Patrol September 1, 1963, Sergeant Thigpen was assigned to Patrol Training School where he graduated November 15, 1963. He was assigned to Aiken November 17, 1963, as a Trooper Trainee; and

Whereas, Sergeant Thigpen was promoted to Trooper May 17, 1964, Trooper First Class July 7, 1968, and Corporal June 1, 1975, when he was transferred to Sumter. He was promoted to Sergeant and transferred back to Aiken December 23, 1979; and

Whereas, Sergeant Thigpen was promoted to First Sergeant August 23, 1987, and given the command of the Highway Patrol operations in Aiken County; and

Whereas, married to the former Eunice S. Widener December 12, 1964, Sergeant Thigpen and his wife have two children. Rodney is married to the former Melanie May and Julie is married to J. Steven White; and

Whereas, the Thigpens are active members of Town Creek Baptist Church where Mrs. Thigpen teaches Sunday School and Sergeant Thigpen works with the youth, ushers, and drives the church bus. He is an ordained Deacon and former church treasurer of a previous church. He is a former member of Rotary International and a former little league sponsor and coach; and

Whereas, as a former pursuit driving instructor at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and trained and certified in the scientific methods of law enforcement, Sergeant Thigpen received numerous certificates in management and supervisory skills; and

Whereas, as a public speaker and an historic tour guide and with hobbies such as fishing, woodcrafts, and auto mechanics, Sergeant Thigpen expects to be an active retiree; and

Whereas, the members of the Senate are proud to have the opportunity to take note of the accomplishments of Sergeant Thigpen and thank him for all he has done for his State and his community. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the Senate recognize First Sergeant Julian Lee Thigpen of Aiken upon his retirement from the South Carolina Highway Patrol and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Sergeant Thigpen.