81R3756 JGH-D By: Aycock H.R. No. 276 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Gordon Morris retired as the sheriff of Lampasas County in 2008, drawing to a close a notable career in law enforcement that spanned 35 years; and WHEREAS, A native of West Texas, Mr. Morris started his career as a peace officer in Arizona, working as a patrolman for the Wilcox Police Department from February 1973 to June 1974; and WHEREAS, Mr. Morris then returned to Texas, where he worked briefly for the Midland Sheriff's Office before serving with the Highland Park Police Department from September 1974 to May 1975; and WHEREAS, In June of 1975, Mr. Morris joined the Lampasas County Sheriff's Office and was appointed as a justice of the peace three years later; his tenure as the county's chief law enforcement officer began in 1980, when he was appointed to complete the unexpired term of the previously elected sheriff; and WHEREAS, This respected professional went on to serve seven terms as the Lampasas County sheriff; voters repeatedly returned him to office over the course of nearly three decades, which is a testament to the high regard in which he is held by his fellow citizens; and WHEREAS, For 29 years, Sheriff Morris dedicated himself to preserving the safety and security of the people of Lampasas County, earning the admiration of his colleagues and his community, and he may indeed reflect with pride on his many exceptional achievements; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Sheriff Gordon Morris on his retirement from the Lampasas County Sheriff's Office and extend to him sincere best wishes for his continued success and happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Sheriff Morris as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.