NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1979 SESSION

RESOLUTION 81

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1532

A JOINT RESOLUTION HONORING ROBERT L. PETERSON, ROY HUSKEY, AND OWEN MESSERSMITH.

Whereas, on May 31, 1979, Robert Lee (Pete) Peterson, Roy Huskey, and Owen Messersmith were killed near Rutherfordton after a domestic disturbance; and

Whereas, the 37-year old Robert Peterson was a 10-year veteran of the Highway Patrol; and

Whereas, the 48-year old Roy Huskey was a captain in the Rutherford County Sheriff's office, where he had served for 11 years, and was the brother of Rutherford County Sheriff, Damon Huskey; and

Whereas, Owen Messersmith, 58 years old, was a sergeant and 4 1/2-year veteran in the Rutherford County Sheriff's office; and

Whereas, all three men were killed while answering a call;

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

Section 1. The General Assembly honors the service and lives of Robert Lee (Pete) Peterson, Roy Huskey, and Owen Messersmith, and expresses its sympathy to their families.

Sec. 2. The General Assembly thanks Sheriff Damon Huskey and his staff, the Highway Patrol, and all other law enforcement officers who were involved in the search for and arrest of the man suspected of killing the officers.

Sec. 3. The Secretary of State is directed to send copies of this resolution to the Rutherford County Sheriff's office, the Highway Patrol office in Rutherford County, and the families of Robert Peterson, Roy Huskey, and Owen Messersmith.

Sec. 4. This resolution is effective upon ratification.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 8th day of June, 1979.