81R27449 JKB-D
By: Quintanilla H.R. No. 1719
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The citizens of El Paso lost an admired law
enforcement professional with the passing of J. R. Grijalva, on
January 31, 2008, at the age of 57; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Grijalva graduated from Stephen F. Austin High
School and answered his nation's call to duty with service in the
U.S. Air Force; opting to pursue a career in law enforcement, he
graduated from the El Paso Police Academy in 1974; he then embarked
on an exceptional career with the El Paso Police Department,
beginning as a patrol officer and going on to fulfill assignments in
many other areas of the department, including traffic, the training
academy, detective operations, internal affairs, and airport
security; and
WHEREAS, This dedicated officer advanced steadily through
the ranks, receiving promotions to sergeant, lieutenant, captain,
assistant chief, and deputy chief, and he was ultimately placed in
command of the department when he was named interim chief; in
October of 2000, he retired from the EPPD after 26 distinguished
years of service; and
WHEREAS, He then devoted himself to a new professional
challenge by becoming chief of police for El Paso Community
College, and his skill and expertise transformed the school's
security personnel into a first-class police force; Chief Grijalva
also furthered his education during this period, earning an
associate's degree in criminal justice in 2003 and a bachelor's
degree in criminal justice administration in 2005, and completing
the requirements for a master's degree in 2007; and
WHEREAS, Chief Grijalva received numerous accolades
throughout his career, including three mayoral commendations and
recognition by the former sheriff of El Paso County and the Las
Vegas Metropolitan Police Department; moreover, he served as
director of the executive board of the El Paso Municipal Police
Officers Association and has been honored with the creation of a
permanent annual scholarship in his memory by ASIS International;
and
WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. Grijalva enjoyed the
love and support of his wife, Patty, with whom he enjoyed 13
rewarding years of marriage; he also took great pride in his two
sons, Robert and Chad, and his daughter, LaJoi; and
WHEREAS, Though his time on this earth ended far too
soon, J. R. Grijalva made a meaningful contribution to his
community through his dedicated efforts to serve and protect his
fellow citizens, and his integrity and achievements will be fondly
remembered by his family, friends, and fellow officers for years to
come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of J. R. Grijalva and
extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife,
Patty Grijalva; to his sons, Robert David Grijalva and Chad Conley;
to his daughter, LaJoi Hale; to his sisters, Astrid Grijalva and
Suzanne Gomez; to his brother, Robert Anthony Grijalva; to his
in-laws, Gary and Ann Marsh; and to his other relatives and many
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 J. R.
Grijalva.