83R15085 LB-D
By: Bonnen of Brazoria H.R. No. 1198
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Palacios Volunteer Fire Department marked 100
years of safeguarding the lives and property of area residents in
December 2012; and
WHEREAS, In late 1912, the Palacios City Council approved the
constitution and bylaws for a fire company and authorized the
purchase of one 230-foot extension fire ladder, two 12-foot roof
ladders, and two pick-back fire axes; when a call for help came in,
firemen would be alerted by an employee of the Coast Telephone
Company, who would ring a bell outside her second-story window; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the Palacios VFD modernized to
accommodate the changing needs of the day, and by 1927 it had a new
fire truck and the old fire bell had been replaced by an electric
siren; by 1941, the city ordered a fire truck that carried its own
water; in 1962, it purchased a four-wheel drive truck to allow the
firefighters to better combat rural and urban grass fires; and in
1976, the department received a state-of-the-art ambulance; and
WHEREAS, Although technology and equipment have changed
markedly in the past century, the department's volunteers remain
its most vital resource, and many brave and dedicated individuals
have served over the years, including Hugh Dismukes, who, in 1975,
was recognized for 50 years of active service, more than any fireman
in the Lone Star State at the time; today 20 volunteers continue to
support their community, raising funds and volunteering their time
and skills for important local causes; and
WHEREAS, Under the direction of fire chief Mike Hooper and
assistant fire chief Rodney Girndt, the Palacios Volunteer Fire
Department is beginning its second century of operations, and its
members may indeed take justifiable pride in the vital work they
perform and in their department's notable history; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate the Palacios Volunteer Fire
Department on its 100th anniversary and pay tribute to all those who
are or have been associated with this venerable organization; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the department as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.