The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING MSGT. JERIS DAVIS” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E813-E814 on June 2, 2015.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING MSGT. JERIS DAVIS
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HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON
of mississippi
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I stand to honor a public servant in the field of law enforcement, MSgt. Jeris Davis. Mr. Davis is from Shaw, MS.
There are many capacities in which one can be a public servant, each one requiring certain talent and passion for the position. Environment plays a big role in preparing people for their destiny. MSgt. Davis' family and home environment was that of a middle class working family. His father, Warren Davis, worked at Dixie Tobacco and Candy Company in Shaw for over 40 years. His mother, Ruth Davis had two jobs: she was employed with the Shaw Sewing Factory and Lewis Grocery Warehouse in Indianola for over 30 years.
MSgt. Davis had influence all around him: His grandmother, Mattie Davis; aunts: Judy Freeman and Mildred Johnson; and several of his uncles, all were important role models. Warren Davis, his father, and his uncle, Frank Freeman, were members of the Shaw Volunteer Fire Department. At the age of 12, while still in elementary school, they would take him to the fire department with them on weekends, which was his reward for good grades and good behavior. Those visits to the fire department, watching his dad and uncle, and community men work around the fire, created a desire in him to do the same.
MSgt. Davis continued this for years, volunteering to clean the equipment, listening to the firemen talk, learning how to operate the equipment, and developing the skills of a fireman. In fact, many people actually thought he was a fireman for the city, because he would be at all the fires (e.g., spraying water, pulling down equipment, always asking the firemen to let him go into the fire and rescue someone). Those opportunities fueled his desire, even more, to help and serve the public, especially in Shaw.
MSgt. Davis graduated from Shaw High School and went on to join many organizations and clubs that focused on some role of public service. Through this he was able to develop more skills and leadership ability, all the time preparing him for a career in public service.
MSgt. Davis held down two jobs, and eventually, became a member of the Shaw Volunteer Fire Department and a dispatcher for the Shaw Police Department. From there in 1992 he became an equipment operator for the Mississippi State Highway Department, while continuing his role as a member of the fire department. The year 1998 was the beginning of MSgt. Davis' career as a professional in law enforcement. His resume of experience and accomplishments include:
1998 Year: Completion of the Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Academy, 1998 Year: Police Officer, City of Shaw Police Department, 1992 Year: Highway Officer for the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), 2000 Year: MDOT Honor Guard Officer representing Fallen Law Enforcement Officers in Washington, DC, 2001 Year: Completion of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Training Academy, 2003 Year: Completion of the Mississippi Highway Patrol Cadet School, 2009 Year: US Marshal Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Taskforce, Oxford, MS, created by Congress, and 2013 Year: Completion of the Mississippi Certified Investigators Program, Pearl, MS.
MSgt. Davis has recently been promoted to Master Sergeant within the Mississippi Highway Patrol. In this capacity he is assigned to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation as an investigator. MSgt. Davis is often assigned to special assignments because of the various trainings and acquired knowledge of expertise. Some of those assignments are: narcotic investigations, high level fugitive investigations and searches, and special homicide cases.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring MSgt. Jeris Davis for his dedication and service as a public servant in the field of law enforcement. I am proud to have him as a resident of the Mississippi Second Congressional District.
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