81R6209 JGH-D
By: Kolkhorst H.R. No. 476
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Members of the Sheriffs' Association of Texas are
gathering in Austin on February 17, 2009, to participate in
Sheriffs' Association of Texas Day at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, The Texas Constitution created the office of sheriff
in each county of the state; legislation requires that a sheriff
conserve the peace and enforce the criminal laws of the state; the
sheriff is also responsible for the county jail, bail bonds, civil
process, and the security of the courts; in some smaller counties,
the sheriff may also act as the tax collector; and
WHEREAS, The Sheriffs' Association of Texas is one of the
nation's oldest law enforcement organizations; the first meeting of
this esteemed organization took place on August 14, 1874, when
members adopted a preamble calling for sheriffs to assist one
another in the execution of the law, in the discharge of their
duties against criminals, and in the protection of the citizens of
their respective counties and throughout the state; the association
has continued to pursue this mission; and
WHEREAS, The sheriffs of the 254 counties of Texas are
elected to four-year terms, and each sheriff is a member of the
Sheriffs' Association of Texas; more than 2,500 individuals are
active members, while more than 45,000 are associate members; and
WHEREAS, For more than 130 years, the members of the
Sheriffs' Association of Texas have dedicated themselves to
ensuring the safety and welfare of the citizens of the Lone Star
State, and this special day provides an opportunity for the state to
pay tribute to these law enforcement professionals; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 17, 2009, as Sheriffs'
Association of Texas Day at the State Capitol and commend the
members of the association for their many contributions to our
state; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Sheriffs' Association of Texas as an expression of
high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.