84R24906 JGH-D
By: Flynn H.R. No. 2341
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Many retired Texas game wardens and their spouses
are visiting Austin on May 20, 2015, to celebrate Retired Texas Game
Warden Day at the State Capitol and to commemorate the 120 years of
dedicated service that game wardens have provided to the Lone Star
State; and
WHEREAS, Since 1895, when the office of Fish and Oyster
Commissioner was created by the 24th Texas Legislature, game
wardens have played an essential role in wildlife conservation; the
Fish and Oyster Commission was given jurisdiction in 1899 over all
public waters, including freshwater streams, lakes, and ponds, and
its purview was soon extended to shrimping and hunting; the name of
the agency later became the Game, Fish, and Oyster Commission, and
it changed again several times to reflect the expansion of its
mission until, in 1963, it merged with the State Parks Board to form
the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; and
WHEREAS, In the early years, there were just six wardens, but
their numbers grew as their duties continued to evolve,
encompassing such tasks as the promotion of recreational water
safety and the apprehension of criminals involved in a range of
illegal activities in addition to wildlife law violations; Texas
A&M University established the Texas Game Warden Academy in 1946,
and 14 cadets attended that first formal game warden training; in
1971, the legislature formally recognized as peace officers all law
enforcement officers within the TPWD; the state is presently served
by some 530 game wardens, whose responsibilities have grown to
include participation in homeland security initiatives; and
WHEREAS, Today there are approximately 340 retired Texas game
wardens living with their families in the Lone Star State, and their
vital contributions to the betterment of this state have earned
them the deep appreciation of all Texans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize May 20, 2015, as Retired Texas Game
Warden Day at the State Capitol and commemorate 120 years of public
service by Texas game wardens.