81R31316 JGH-D
By: King of Taylor H.R. No. 2051
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Melvin Martin is retiring as chief of the Abilene
Police Department on May 31, 2009, drawing to a close a notable
career in law enforcement that has spanned four decades; and
WHEREAS, Chief Martin graduated from Eula High School in
1965; he served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968 and went on to
earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Hardin-Simmons
University in 1976; and
WHEREAS, Chief Martin joined the Abilene Police Department as
a patrolman in 1969; in 1975, he became a member of the Juvenile
Division, and his success in addressing youth issues led to his
promotion to sergeant in 1978 and to lieutenant in 1980; and
WHEREAS, Named deputy chief in 1990, this outstanding law
enforcement professional became chief of the Abilene Police
Department in 1994; he has implemented numerous initiatives that
have had a positive effect on the community, including a program
that places criminal justice education officers in Abilene schools,
the Supporting Neighborhoods and Parents Program for at-risk youth,
and the Holiday Hills program; he also opened the Child Advocacy
Center in the Law Enforcement Center; and
WHEREAS, Chief Martin has made other outstanding
contributions to his community through his participation as a
member of the YMCA board for 18 years and the board of the Boys and
Girls Clubs of Abilene for 15 years; he founded the Taylor County
Juvenile Justice Association in 1980, and he has been president of
the Kiwanis Club and a member of the Governor's Statewide Advisory
Board on Homeland Security; he is currently president of the Texas
Police Chiefs Association; and
WHEREAS, The chief's many awards and recognitions include the
Liberty Bell Award from the Abilene Bar Association and the Friend
of Education Award from the Abilene Independent School District,
and he was nominated for the J. C. Penney Golden Rule Award from the
Boys and Girls Clubs of Abilene; and
WHEREAS, Chief Martin has been described as a tough man with a
soft side, and his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to
protect the safety and welfare of the public are greatly admired; he
is the longest-serving officer in APD's history, and his legacy of
achievements will continue to benefit the citizens of Abilene for
years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Melvin Martin on his retirement as
chief of the Abilene Police Department and extend to him sincere
best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Chief Martin as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.