82R12141 JBA-D
By: Frullo H.R. No. 820
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Chief Dale Holton of the Lubbock Police Department
retired in February 2011 after an outstanding career in law
enforcement that spanned 37 years; and
WHEREAS, Dale Holton joined the Lubbock PD in the 1970s and
was an original member of the department's SWAT team when it was
formed in 1977; he went on to serve as SWAT team commander from 1985
to 1996 and again from 2001 to February 2008, when he was named
chief; and
WHEREAS, An innovator who always looked for ways to improve
the department, Chief Holton upgraded the in-car camera system to
digital and started the transition to in-car laptop computers,
changes that have significantly enhanced officer efficiency; he
also focused on recruiting, resulting in a net gain of more than 20
sworn officers, established a merit-based system of promotion to
detective, made the SWAT team full-time, and prioritized training;
and
WHEREAS, In late 2009, Chief Holton reinforced his reputation
as someone who leads by example when he chased and arrested a
burglary suspect during his lunch break; while not the usual
routine for the chief of a 380-officer department, it exemplified
his attitude that the department is a team; and
WHEREAS, Dale Holton has greatly benefited his community
through his outstanding public service, and he may indeed reflect
with pride on his notable accomplishments as he embarks on the next
exciting chapter of his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Chief Dale Holton on his retirement
from the Lubbock Police Department and extend to him sincere best
wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Chief Holton as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.