85R5335 KSM-D
By: Gooden H.C.R. No. 53
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Texas game wardens devote themselves to the
protection of the state's natural resources, and since 1895, 18 of
these dedicated public servants have tragically lost their lives
while fulfilling their important duties; and
WHEREAS, Game wardens, as certified peace officers, are
responsible for preserving the peace and enforcing the game, fish,
and water safety laws of Texas, which include, but are not limited
to, apprehending poachers and other individuals who ignore wildlife
law; many of the criminals that game wardens encounter have also
ventured into other illegal activities, such as theft or the drug
trade, and because game wardens are often patrolling areas with
hunters, loaded guns are a constant in their work; the myriad
challenges of the job may put them in harm's way at any time; and
WHEREAS, To honor those who died in the line of duty, the
Texas Game Warden Association erected the Game Warden Memorial at
the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens; the monument, a
bronze, life-sized statue of a warden, is dedicated to the memory of
Joe Williams, Harry Raymond, Dawson Richard Murchison, R. M. Wynne,
Gus Engeling, Claude Keller, J. D. Murphree, Joe Evans, Lloyd
Gustin, Ronnie Germany, James Daughtrey, Barry Decker, Bruce Hill,
Michael Pauling, Wes Wagstaff, Justin Hurst, Teyran "Ty" Patterson,
and George Harold Whatley Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Many Texans are unaware of the sacrifices made by
game wardens; the relocation of the monument to the State Capitol,
however, would help the public gain a greater understanding of the
vital mission of Texas game wardens and of the extraordinary
commitment they make to upholding the laws of our state and
protecting its natural resources; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby authorize the State Preservation Board, subject to state law
and rules of the board, to approve the relocation of the Texas Game
Warden Memorial to the State Capitol Complex, at a site outside of
the historic Capitol grounds; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the board consider a site south of the Sam
Houston Building for the location of the memorial; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward an
official copy of this resolution to the executive director of the
State Preservation Board and to the chair and president of the Texas
Game Warden Association.
Authorizing the State Preservation Board, subject to state law and
rules of the board, to approve and permit the relocation of the
Texas Game Warden Memorial to a site at the State Capitol, south of
the Sam Houston Building, just outside of the historic grounds.