81R26062 MG-D
By: Hernandez H.R. No. 2147
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of the Bayou City lost a brave and
admirable public servant when Captain James Arthur Harlow, Sr., of
the Houston Fire Department died in the line of duty on April 12,
2009, at the age of 49; and
WHEREAS, An East Texas native, James Harlow was born on May
18, 1959, and he went on to join the fire department in 1979; he was
a skilled firefighter who was always ready for a challenge and who
assisted fire victims with the utmost kindness and compassion; he
achieved the rank of captain in 2004 and garnered the lasting
respect of his colleagues at Fire Station No. 26 for his friendly
and approachable demeanor; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of nearly three decades with the
Houston Fire Department, Captain Harlow never wavered in his
dedication to his work; he demonstrated his commitment to helping
others on many occasions, including during Hurricane Ike, when he
drove to the station through the storm's powerful wind and rain in
order to assist in the disaster; fittingly, this esteemed Texan is
posthumously being awarded the Medal of Honor from both the Houston
Fire Department and the International Association of Firefighters;
and
WHEREAS, Captain Harlow further distinguished himself as a
devoted family man; he shared 29 years with his wife, Debbie, and
the couple were blessed with three children and four grandchildren;
in addition, Captain Harlow was known for being a sports fan, a
mechanic, and an avid hunter and fisherman, and his fellow
firefighters affectionately referred to him as "Captain Hogleg," in
reference to his thick East Texas accent and his love of cooking
wild game; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to the safety and well-being of his fellow
citizens, Captain Harlow exemplified the highest standards of his
profession, and his courageous service and immeasurable sacrifice
will forever be remembered by all those whose lives he touched; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Captain James
Arthur Harlow, Sr., and extend sincere sympathy to the members of
his family: to his wife, Debbie Harlow; to his children, Brandy
Rooth and her husband, Ron, James Harlow, Jr., and his wife,
Jessica, and Travis Harlow and his wife, Amber; to his
grandchildren, Avery, Darrah, Payton, and Karrah; to his parents,
James and Virginia Harlow; to his siblings, Terri Perricone and her
husband, Phillip, Christie Harlow, and David Harlow and his wife,
Pam; 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 Captain
James Harlow.