81R21921 BPG-D
By: Farabee H.R. No. 1390
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The death of former Wichita Falls police chief
Curtis R. Harrelson on March 29, 2009, at the age of 69, has deeply
saddened the community he served with enormous dedication for more
than three decades; and
WHEREAS, A native of Wichita Falls, Mr. Harrelson was born on
March 31, 1939, to Wilson and Mabel Harrelson; his family moved to
Archer City when he was 10, and after graduation from Archer City
High School, he enlisted in the United States Army; on May 1, 1959,
he married the former Martha Jean Worley, and while he was serving
as a military police officer in Huntsville, Alabama, the couple
became the proud parents of two sons; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Harrelson joined the Wichita Falls Police
Department in 1962 and worked as a juvenile investigator and auto
theft investigator before helping to organize the narcotics
section; while rising through the ranks, he graduated from the FBI
National Academy and earned his bachelor's degree in criminal
justice from Midwestern State University; he became chief of police
in March 1977 and his strong leadership was crucial when a tornado
struck the city some two years later; and
WHEREAS, During his 20-year tenure as chief, Curtis Harrelson
worked diligently to place his department at the forefront of crime
prevention; he instituted Operation ID and neighborhood watch
programs that influenced other departments, and collaborated with
numerous law enforcement agencies to establish the North Texas
Regional Drug Enforcement Task Force; in addition, he reinstated
the department's motorcycle unit and K9 teams; and
WHEREAS, Chief Harrelson was a mentor to countless young
officers and a role model in the wider community; he founded Police
Explorer Post 500 to introduce teenagers to career opportunities in
law enforcement and helped area residents form a Wichita Falls
Crime Stoppers organization; his writing talent enlivened the
departmental newsletter he started, and he published a moving
article in Texas Police Journal headlined "Who says cops don't
cry?"; and
WHEREAS, From an early age, this dynamic Texan loved
aviation, and after his retirement in 1997, he flew pipeline for 11
years; a certified FAA instructor, he taught many people to become
pilots; he was a valued member of Faith Village Church of Christ and
a devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his seven
grandchildren; his many interests included hunting, four-wheeling,
and working on the computer, and he belonged to the Rockin Wheels
chapter of the Good Sam Club for RV travelers; moreover, he
participated in such activities as the Hotter 'N Hell Hundred
bicycling event; and
WHEREAS, Curtis Harrelson was widely admired for his
integrity, professionalism, and commitment to public safety, and he
had a positive impact on Wichita Falls that continues to resonate;
he will long be remembered by the many people whose lives he
touched; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Curtis R. Harrelson
and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his
wife, Jean Harrelson; to his sons, David Harrelson and his wife,
Beth, and Dennis Harrelson and his wife, Sue; to his daughter, Dana
Wilson, and her husband, Randal; to his grandchildren, Jared, Josh,
Caleb, Casey, Kari, Stephen, and Daniel; to his brother, Don
Harrelson, and his wife, Donna; to his sister, Carolyn Askins, and
her husband, Sammie; to his mother-in-law, Lucille Worley; to his
brother-in-law, William Worley, and his wife, Beverly; and to his
many other relatives and friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Curtis
Harrelson.