A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE Lieutenant Russell Thompson UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS many YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Lieutenant Russell Thompson upon the occasion of his retirement on December 31, 2023; and

 

Whereas, a native of Abington, Pennsylvania, Lieutenant Thompson was raised in the small town of Coopersburg, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Southern Lehigh High School in 1994; and

 

Whereas, a veteran of the United States Navy, Lieutenant Thompson enlisted through the Delayed Entry Program. After graduation, he spent the next four years serving his country; and

 

Whereas, Lieutenant Thompson began his career with the South Carolina Highway Patrol in July of 1999. His entire career has been spent assigned within Troop 3, with the majority of his time spent in Greenville County. Early on in his career, he gravitated toward DUI enforcement. As a result of his proactive DUI enforcement, then Trooper Thompson, was assigned to the Troop 3 DUI Team, where he would spend several years. As a result of his DUI enforcement, he became certified as a Drug Recognition Expert, eventually obtaining his instructor certification, and becoming an SFST instructor; and

 

Whereas, as a result of the events on September 11, 2001, Lieutenant Thompson reenlisted in the United States Navy, this time in the reserves. During his time in the reserves, he was mobilized in support of Iraqi Freedom, served as a Response Team Member for the shootings in Chattanooga, Tennessee, served with the Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), performed multiple dignitary protection details, and numerous other assignments; and

 

Whereas, after serving a combined twenty-one years (four in Active Duty and seventeen in Reserve Duty), he retired from the United States Navy. Following in his grandfather's footsteps, Lieutenant Thompson achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer during his service in the Navy; and

 

Whereas, Lieutenant Thompson briefly spent time on the Troop 3 CERT Team before becoming a member of the SCDPS ACERT Team, where he spent over twenty-one years. His time spent on ACERT has provided him the break needed from being assigned to an enforcement troop. As a member of ACERT, additional training requirements must be met along with the assignment of short notice assignments. His assignments over the years include various statehouse details, Myrtle Beach Memorial Bike Week, Active Shooter and Mobile Field Force instructor, and requests for assistance from outside agencies; and

 

Whereas, Lieutenant Thompson's first assignment as a supervisor was with Spartanburg County as a Corporal. After spending several years in Spartanburg County, he was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to Greenville County where he would eventually be promoted to First Sergeant and serve as the Post Commander for Greenville County. A short time later, he would be promoted to Lieutenant and was assigned to Troop 3 Headquarters; and

 

Whereas, Lieutenant Thompson is married to Mandy Thompson, and together, they have three children, Kaitlyn, Kyle, and Khursten; and

 

Whereas, in his free time, he enjoys riding bicycles and traveling. Through his cycling, Lieutenant Thompson raises money in honor of fallen first responders. He proudly represents the South Carolina Highway Patrol and participates in numerous charity events to include the Police Unity Tour, Carolina Brotherhood Ride, Kentucky Brotherhood Ride, and the Gulf Coast Brotherhood Ride; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the passion and dedication that Lieutenant Thompson has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Lieutenant Russell Thompson upon the occasion of his retirement, commend him for his many years of dedicated service, and wish him much happiness and fulfillment in the years ahead.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Lieutenant Russell Thompson.

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