WHEREAS, Jerome Delvin has served the 8th legislative district with distinction for eighteen years, first in the House of Representatives for ten years, and then in the Senate for eight; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Delvin protected his community by serving as a Richland police officer for twenty-eight years; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Delvin's passionate views on serving his community are evident in his leadership as the President of the International Law Enforcement Foundation, a member of the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club, and as a member of the National D.A.R.E. Officers Association; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Delvin has been a true champion in protecting Washington's children against exploitation and predators by increasing criminal penalties, clarifying the legal definition of sexually inappropriate behavior, supporting a package of nine bills related to human trafficking, and personally sponsoring two bills during the 2012 legislative session; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Delvin is a man of true convictions who has tirelessly fought for a common sense approach to the environment, been an advocate for clean and safe nuclear energy, and refused to ever drink the Kool-Aid; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Delvin's actions in the Senate have benefited the developmentally disabled community with funding and by making various programs readily available for those in need; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Delvin, while in the House of Representatives, sponsored two bills ensuring the teaching of the United States and Washington Constitutions, thus educating Washington's children about the foundations of our state and country; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Delvin forged many working relationships across the aisle, most notably as part of a dynamic duo with Senator Kohl-Welles, on many issues ranging from human trafficking to medical marijuana; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Delvin earned many prestigious awards throughout his life, including the Distinguished Community Service Award for ARC of the Tri-Cities, the Order of Merit from the Peruvian National Police, and most significantly, for saving a woman's life, for which he was awarded the Richland Police Department's Outstanding Commendation; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Delvin has traveled internationally, climbed Manaslu in the Nepalese Himalayas, the world's eighth highest peak, and promoted Washington's agriculture and jobs all around the world; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Delvin made history when he became the first unofficial chair of the Cigar Caucus; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Delvin will be fondly remembered for his quick humor, friendly disposition, and ability to bring levity to even the most tense situations; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Delvin's wife of fifteen years, Josie, will be looking forward to spending time with her husband and watching TV in their side-by-side Barcaloungers; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Delvin will be leaving the Senate to better serve Benton County as a commissioner and will be deeply missed in the Senate;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor and recognize Senator Delvin's devout dedication to the citizens of Washington State and the Tri-Cities; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Washington State Senator Jerome Delvin.