IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION expressing the sympathy of the Legislature and the County Executive to the family, friends, and fans of Derrick Thomas upon the occasion of his untimely death.
Intro
RESOLUTION # 13098, February 14, 2000
INTRODUCED BY Victor E. Callahan, Bill Petrie, Fred Arbanas, Scott Burnett,
Ronald E. Finley, Dennis Waits, Dan Tarwater, Terry Young,
and Bob Spence, County Legislators
Body
WHEREAS, it was with great sorrow that family, friends, and fans of Derrick Thomas learned of his tragic death on February 8, 2000; and,
WHEREAS, Derrick Thomas was a man of distinction, one who not only excelled in his public life but devoted countless hours of his personal life to charitable endeavors; and,
WHEREAS, Derrick Thomas began his professional football career as a linebacker with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1989, earning the title of NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year; and,
WHEREAS, his career continued to gain momentum, and in 1993 he received the NFL's most prestigious award, the Edge NFL Man of the Year, for his community activities; and,
WHEREAS, in 1995 Derrick Thomas won the Bryon "Whizzer" White Humanitarian Award for service to his team, community and country; and,
WHEREAS, in 1999, Derrick played his final season with the Kansas City Chiefs, ending an illustrious football career; and,
WHEREAS, one of Derrick Thomas' greatest accomplishments was his founding of The Third and Long Foundation, a renowned reading program for inner-city youth in Kansas City; and,
WHEREAS, through this program, a vast network of enrichment programs, camps, and relationships evolved; and,
WHEREAS, Derrick Thomas took children to renowned restaurants on their birthdays, luncheons at Arrowhead, gave them Chiefs tickets, and read to children at local libraries through this literacy program; and,
WHEREAS, Derrick Thomas was a pillar of strength to his teammates as well as the community, and he will be greatly missed; and,
WHEREAS, in recognition and appreciation of Derrick Thomas, County employees are encouraged to wear red or Chiefs apparel on Tuesday, February 15, in honor of this great man; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that the Legislature, joined by County Executive Katheryn Shields, pause in their deliberations to salute the memory of a distinguished Jackson County athlete and philanthropist, Derrick Thomas, express their collective appreciation for his outstanding, unselfish career and his contributions to Jackson County, and extend to his family, friends, and fans most sincere sympathy on his untimely death.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________ ________________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution # 13098 of February 14, 2000 was duly passed on ___________February 14________________, 2000 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas ________7_________ Nays _______0_______
Abstaining ______0_______ Absent _____2_______
______________________ _________________________________
Date Mary Jo Brogoto, Clerk of Legislature