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, Texas), Samuel Anderson (Nacogdoches, Texas), Michael Blevins (Hempstead, Texas), Joshua Bonney (Commerce, Texas), Roel Cantu, Jr. (Edinburg, Texas), Jayme DeSchaaf (Liberty Hill, Texas), Travis Fountain (Nacogdoches, Texas), Mark Frayser (Cibolo, Texas), Jason Garcia (Schertz, Texas), Tommy Johnson (Wharton, Texas), Hsin-Wei Lin (College Station, Texas), Derrick Lopez (Round Rock, Texas), Grant Moore (Jacksboro, Texas), John Newman (Stephenville, Texas), Jake Noxon (Austin, Texas), Jack Pearl (Athens, Georgia), Howard Pierce (Rockport, Texas), Travis Porter (Bridgeport, Texas), Jennifer Provaznik (Gautier, Mississippi), Arturo Salinas (Uvalde, Texas), Coby Sanders (Amarillo, Texas), Jeremy Schwalk (Lubbock, Texas), Brendan Shoars (Abilene, Texas), Justin Solis (Rockport, Texas), David Stokes (Nashville, Tennessee), Zachary Temple (Lufkin, Texas), Thomas Colton (Pleasanton, Texas), and Emily Zaunbreche (Houston, Texas); 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; and 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 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. Guillen ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 195 was adopted by the House on July 30, 2013, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House