84R14904 JGH-D
By: Farias H.R. No. 1438
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, John Hatzel will be retiring as assistant chief of
the Universal City Fire Department in December 2016, drawing to a
close a notable career as a first responder that has spanned four
and half decades; and
WHEREAS, Assistant Chief Hatzel joined the department as a
volunteer firefighter in 1970, and he became a full-time
professional firefighter two years later; in the decades since, he
has been a leader and innovator for the department, becoming one of
the first members of the department to earn certification as an
emergency medical technician; he also initiated the Knox Box
program, which provides firefighters with keys to local businesses
in the event of an emergency after hours, and developed a fire
prevention program for children that evolved into a stage
production with actors, clowns, and special effects; and
WHEREAS, This dedicated firefighter has received numerous
certifications from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection,
including fire service instructor and advanced firefighter, arson
investigator, and inspector; he has also been certified as a master
police officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement; and
WHEREAS, John Hatzel's dedication, professionalism, and
commitment to protecting the safety and welfare of the public have
greatly benefited the citizens of Universal City and earned him the
respect and admiration of his fellow firefighters, and he may
indeed reflect with pride on a career well spent as he prepares to
embark upon the next exciting chapter of his life; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby commend Assistant Chief John Hatzel on his years
of outstanding service to the Universal City Fire Department and
extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success and
happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Assistant Chief Hatzel as an expression of high regard
by the Texas House of Representatives.