By: Guillen H.R. No. 195
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Texas is a large state with some of the best hunting
and fishing opportunities in the nation; fishing, hunting,
trapping, and trading of wildlife have been important activities
since the first inhabitants settled in Texas; and
WHEREAS, The state's first law protecting fish was enacted in
1874, and in 1879 the first commission with the mission of
regulating and enforcing laws pertaining to the natural resources
was established; and
WHEREAS, Since 1895, Texas Game Wardens have built a
reputation as "can-do" peace officers with a heritage second only
to the legendary Texas Rangers; That proud tradition of service,
more than a century old, is carried on today by more than 500 men and
women who continue the work of this storied profession; and
WHEREAS, The first Game Warden Academy class in Austin was
held in 1978; cadets currently in the Academy cover a vast array of
subjects, including game and fish laws, criminal law, citation,
court procedures, defensive tactics, arrest procedures, firearms
training, hunter safety programs, environmental pollution,
saltwater and freshwater fishing operation, boating safety, and
rescue training; and
WHEREAS the 58th Texas Game Warden Cadet Class will complete
its training and be commissioned as Texas Game Wardens on August 6,
2013; and
WHEREAS, this class consists of Mark Anderson (Tyler TX),
Samuel Anderson (Nacogdoches TX), Michael Blevins (Hempstead TX),
Joshua Bonney (Commerce TX), Roel Cantu Jr (Edinburg TX), Jayme
DeSchaaf (Liberty Hill TX), Travis Fountain (Nacogdoches TX), Mark
Frayser (Cibolo TX), Jason Garcia (Schertz TX), Tommy Johnson
(Wharton TX), Hsin-Wei Lin (College TX), Derrick Lopez (Round Rock
TX), Grant Moore (Jacksboro TX), John Newman (Stephenville TX),
Jake Noxon (Austin TX), Jack Pearl (Athens GA), Howard Pierce
(Rockport TX), Travis Porter (Bridgeport TX), Jennifer Provaznik
(Gautier MS), Arturo Salinas (Uvalde TX), Coby Sanders (Amarillo
TX), Jeremy Schwalk (Lubbock TX), Brendan Shoars (Abilene TX),
Justin Solis (Rockport TX), David Stokes (Nashville TN), Zachary
Temple (Lufkin TX), Thomas Colton (Pleasanton TX), and Emily
Zaunbreche (Houston TX); and
WHEREAS, After graduation from the Game Warden Training
Academy and receiving a commission as a peace officer, these
individuals will perform responsible field enforcement duties
involving the enforcement of all provisions of the Texas Parks and
Wildlife Code, Texas Penal Code, and relevant provisions of other
Texas laws; execute and serve all criminal processes resulting from
enforcement activities; provide public safety and emergency
functions; safeguard departmental equipment; prepare reports of
activities and present programs concerning departmental activities
to the public; conduct investigations of holders of permits and
licenses issued by the department; maintain contact with holders of
permits and licenses issued by the department; maintain contact
with landowners, resource users, and the general public; and
WHEREAS, The cadets who have been selected to hold this
invaluable post have all completed a grueling and demanding
training program and will greatly contribute to the safety of Texas
residents and the preservation of the Lone Star State's natural
resources, and Texas is indeed fortunate to have to these dedicated
individuals; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby congratulate the 58th Texas
Game Warden Cadet Class and extend to them sincere best wishes for
continued success in their law enforcement careers.