A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

to Congratulate and honor Lieutenant Joseph West upon the occasion of his retirement after thirty-five years of outstanding service, and to wish him continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

 

Whereas, it is altogether fitting and proper that the members of the South Carolina General Assembly should pause in their deliberations to express their gratitude to Lieutenant Joseph "Joe" West for his significant contributions to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and to the Palmetto State; and

 

Whereas, born in Hickory, North Carolina, Joseph West is the son of the late William "Bill" West and Anne West. His mother, Anne, worked for Lieutenant Governor Nick Theodore and Lieutenant Governor Bob Peeler. His father was a journalist for Lexington's Dispatch-News and later the Lexington County Chronicle; and

 

Whereas, a graduate of Irmo High School, West continued his education at the University of South Carolina where he earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 1990; and

 

Whereas, West began his career as a special agent with the State Grand Jury for the Office of Attorney General. He later went on to work as a special agent in Narcotics Investigation and with the DEA Task Force. For over twenty years, West has been a part of the SLED SWAT Team where he has encountered many dangerous and difficult situations; and

 

Whereas, Lieutenant West plans to spend many happy hours in retirement volunteering for several nonprofit organizations, traveling, and enjoying time with his son, Joseph; and

 

Whereas, grateful for his many years of distinguished service to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly take great pleasure in extending best wishes to Lieutenant Joseph West as he transitions to a richly deserved retirement and the unhurried pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, congratulate and honor Lieutenant Joseph "Joe" West upon the occasion of his retirement after thirty-five years of outstanding service, and wish him continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Lieutenant Joseph "Joe" West.

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