H.R. No. 843 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Chris C. Barron is chief of the Manchaca Fire/Rescue Department and executive director of the State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas, and throughout his noteworthy career, he has contributed greatly to the safety and well-being of his fellow citizens; and WHEREAS, The Manchaca fire department that Chris Barron joined over 20 years ago was an all-volunteer organization; he was named the department's chief after nine years, and he was instrumental in its transition to a combination department with four paid staff and a full-time assistant chief; he has also figured prominently in successful efforts to secure five U.S. Department of Homeland Security grants and numerous state and local grants, and he now oversees a five-station, 48-member department that serves 21 square miles and answers more than 700 calls per year as a vital provider of fire suppression, fire prevention, and EMS first response services; and WHEREAS, The State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas represents more than 21,000 fire and emergency services personnel, and Chief Barron is responsible for its management; he previously served as deputy director and, before coming to the association, as director of fire prevention for the State Fire Marshal's Office; and WHEREAS, Chief Barron is a member of the Texas Fire Marshal's Association, the National Fire Protection Association, the Texas State Fire Marshal's Firefighter Fatality Advisory Board, and the Texas Engineering Extension Service Advisory Council; and WHEREAS, Certified as a firefighter, instructor, emergency care attendant, and fire investigator, Chief Barron also teaches CPR and first aid for the department and the community; he holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration from Texas State University; and WHEREAS, Chris Barron's dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence have benefited the residents of this state in countless ways, and he is most deserving of special recognition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby commend Chris C. Barron for his exemplary leadership of the Manchaca Fire/Rescue Department and for his outstanding service in the field of firefighting and fire prevention 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 Mr. Barron as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Workman ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 843 was adopted by the House on April 13, 2011, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House