Committee Report

March 28, 2024

S. 1163

Introduced by Senators Campsen, Grooms and Adams

S. Printed 03/28/24--H.

Read the first time March 21, 2024

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The committee on House Invitations and Memorial Resolutions

To whom was referred a Concurrent Resolution (S. 1163) to request that the Department of Transportation name a portion of Highway 703 and the intersection of Chuck Dawley Boulevard (I-526B) in Charleston County "Detective, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass:

DENNIS MOSS for Committee.

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A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME a portion of Highway 703 and the intersection of Chuck Dawley Boulevard (I-526B) IN Charleston COUNTY "Detective Pat Messer Memorial Highway" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.

Whereas, a native of Blakeley, Georgia, Detective William "Pat" Messer was born on March 18, 1947, to Jack D. and Eloise Ellis Messer. He graduated from Early County High School in Georgia and Trident Technical College; and

Whereas, Detective Messer joined the United States Navy in 1966 and served aboard the USS Alamogordo. He served in the Vietnam War and was decorated for his service. He was honorably discharged on September 21, 1970; and

Whereas, Detective Messer began his career as a police officer with the Charleston County Police Department. In 1972, he completed the detective class at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. After transferring to the Charleston Metro Area Narcotics Squad, Detective Messer attended the Drug Enforcement Administration School at the Criminal Justice Academy in 1976; and

Whereas, on March 12, 1976, while working as a member of the Narcotics Squad, Detective Messer, Sergeant Ray Betterton, and Detective Joel Eaton stopped a suspected drug dealer driving on Highway 703 in Mt. Pleasant. As the officers approached the car, the suspect accelerated and struck Detective Messer. He was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries; and

Whereas, Detective Messer was married to Joann Messer and, together, they had a daughter, Danielle; and

Whereas, it would be fitting and proper to pay tribute to Detective Messer by naming a portion of road in the State in his honor. Now, therefore,

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

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, request that the Department of Transportation name a portion of Highway 703 and the intersection of Chuck Dawley Boulevard (I-526B) in Charleston County "Detective Pat Messer Memorial Highway" and erect appropriate markers or signs at this location containing the designation.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation and presented to the family of Detective William "Pat" Messer.

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