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H. R. No. 162 *HR26/R2686* ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2
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To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026
By: Representative Boyd (19th)
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 162
A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, 1
SERVICE AND LEGACY OF MR. RICHARD "RICK" ALLEN HAGGARD, AND 2
EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY, COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS 3
UPON HIS PASSING. 4
WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our 5
light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far 6
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at 7
the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, 8
for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which 9
are not seen are eternal," and as such, the immaculate author and 10
finisher of our souls' destiny summoned the mortal presence of 11
dearly beloved, Mr. Richard "Rick" Allen Haggard, to eternal rest, 12
as he made life's final transition from earthly travailing to 13
heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family, 14
colleagues and the community he faithfully served; and 15
WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi, Lee County and the 16
Mooreville community lost a dedicated public servant and protector 17
with the passing of School Resource Officer Richard "Rick" Allen 18
Haggard of the Lee County Sheriff's Department on Monday, February 19
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2, 2026, who laid down his life in the line of duty while 20
faithfully serving and protecting others; and 21
WHEREAS, born on February 5, 1973, in Macon, Mississippi, to 22
the union of his parents, Mrs. Susie Ann Featherston Haggard and 23
the late Mr. Larry Wesley Haggard, Rick was raised with the values 24
of integrity, responsibility and compassion that would guide his 25
life and shape his distinguished service to others, and there is 26
now a hush in our spirits as we gather in remembrance of one who 27
has now joined that innumerable heavenly caravan; and 28
WHEREAS, a graduate of Sturgis High School who furthered his 29
education at Mississippi College, Mr. Haggard displayed a strong 30
work ethic and commitment to excellence from an early age, 31
including his employment during college at Kroger where his 32
reliability and dedication became evident to those around him; and 33
WHEREAS, in 2003, Mr. Haggard answered a calling to law 34
enforcement that would define his life's purpose, embarking upon a 35
career devoted to the protection and service of his community 36
through the Lee County Sheriff's Department; and 37
WHEREAS, throughout his career, Rick faithfully served in 38
several capacities including Deputy, Animal Control Officer and 39
School Resource Officer, each role reflecting his steadfast 40
dedication to justice, safety and the well-being of those 41
entrusted to his care; and 42
WHEREAS, his service within local schools held a special 43
place in his heart, as he was deeply committed to protecting 44
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students and faculty while fostering trust, mentorship and 45
encouragement among the young people whose lives he helped 46
safeguard each day; and 47
WHEREAS, on November 11, 2006, Mr. Haggard entered into holy 48
matrimony with Jana, and together they built a loving home 49
centered on faith, devotion and family, raising their daughters 50
Alex and Ava who were the pride and joy of his life; and 51
WHEREAS, Mr. Haggard and his family were faithful members of 52
Boguefala Baptist Church where he exemplified the Christian 53
virtues of humility, kindness and service, living a life guided by 54
faith and a sincere desire to uplift others; and 55
WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to stand 56
upon Heaven's celestial shores, to reunite with the kindred 57
spirits of those who made life's transition into eternity before 58
him, including his father, maternal grandparents, Buddy and 59
Shirley Featherston, and his grandfather-in-law, Ubes May, Mr. 60
Haggard's legacy of courage, service and compassion will continue 61
to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors, 62
including: devoted wife and life companion, Jana Haggard; 63
daughters, Alex and Ava Haggard; mother, Susie Featherston Noble; 64
stepfather, Charlie Noble; mother-in-law, Kathy (Jim) Marshall; 65
grandmother-in-law, Janice May; brother-in-law, Mark Huffman; and 66
a host of relatives, colleagues and friends; and 67
WHEREAS, we encourage the Haggard family to find solace in 68
the words of Revelation 21:4 wherein it is written that "God shall 69
H. R. No. 162 *HR26/R2686* ~ OFFICIAL ~
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ST: Richard "Rick" Allen Haggard; mourn the
loss and commemorate life, legacy and service
upon his passing.
wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more 70
death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more 71
pain, for the former things are passed away," and to be renewed in 72
the assurance that he fulfilled the commandment of II Timothy 4:7 73
by having fought a good fight, finished his course and kept the 74
faith; and 75
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to 76
recognize the life and sacrifice of such courageous individuals of 77
Mr. Haggard's innate caliber, whose devotion to duty and 78
unwavering commitment to the safety of others embody the highest 79
ideals of public service and whose memory will forever remain 80
etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved them: 81
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF 82
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby 83
mourn the loss and commemorate the life, service and legacy of Mr. 84
Richard "Rick" Allen Haggard, whose dedication to his family, his 85
community and the noble profession of law enforcement will forever 86
stand as a testament to a life of honor, courage and faithful 87
service, and extend most sincere and deepest sympathy to his 88
family, colleagues and friends upon his passing. 89
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be 90
furnished to the family of Mr. Richard "Rick" Allen Haggard, the 91
Lee County Sheriff's Department and to the members of the Capitol 92
Press Corps. 93