81R9173 JNC-D
By: Gallego H.R. No. 962
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, George Joseph Harrington has served his community as
a valued member of the Del Rio Fire Department for more than 30
years; and
WHEREAS, Joining the volunteer department in 1974, Joe
Harrington became a paid firefighter on July 15, 1977, and his
record of service has been marked by dedication and
professionalism; promoted to lieutenant in 1990, he became the
officer in charge of his station during his duty period; in this
capacity, he assumed responsibility for personnel supervision,
station activities, vehicles, and buildings; and
WHEREAS, Assistant Chief Harrington was again promoted in
1996; as captain, he was assigned to the training division and
oversaw all continuing education presentations; his tenure saw
dramatic improvements in the operational efficiency of the
division, including conversion to computerized recordkeeping for
paid and volunteer training systems and the institution of the
department's first fire investigation course, which resulted in
State of Texas Fire Investigator certification for numerous
firefighters and department officers; and
WHEREAS, Based on his excellent organizational and
management skills, Assistant Chief Harrington was promoted to
oversee operations of C shift, where he supervised lieutenants in
charge of stations and coordinated shift operations; following this
position, he was assigned to the code enforcement division as a
deputy fire marshal charged with investigating fires and supporting
arson prosecutions; and
WHEREAS, While working in the code enforcement division, he
conducted construction plan reviews to ensure buildings met fire
code requirements as well as annual safety investigations of
buildings housing large populations with complex regulations or
special needs, including the local hospital, jail, and prison; and
WHEREAS, Assistant Chief Harrington's extensive knowledge of
firefighting and his proven management abilities led to his
promotion to assistant chief over the operations division in 2006
and a stint as fire marshal from December 2005 until March 2007; and
WHEREAS, Recognized for his outstanding work, he was named
Firefighter of the Year in 1984, 1991, and 1996; his bravery and
devotion to duty also brought him a Medal of Honor for actions
during the Del Rio Flood of 1998; and
WHEREAS, Those individuals who give of their time and talents
to protect their fellow citizens are indeed worthy of all Texans'
deepest respect and gratitude, and Joe Harrington may take
justifiable pride in his years of service to Del Rio; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby honor George Joseph Harrington for his
outstanding tenure with the Del Rio Fire Department and extend to
him sincere best wishes for continued success in all of his
endeavors; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Assistant Chief Harrington as an expression of high
regard by the Texas House of Representatives.