By: Gonzales of Williamson H.C.R. No. 86
(Senate Sponsor - Kolkhorst)
(In the Senate - Received from the House May 1, 2017;
May 5, 2017, read first time and referred to Committee on
Administration; May 23, 2017, reported favorably by the following
vote: Yeas 7, Nays 0; May 23, 2017, sent to printer.)
Click here to see the committee vote
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Texans owe an immense debt of gratitude to the law
enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical service personnel
who willingly place themselves in harm's way to protect the public;
and
WHEREAS, In the course of fulfilling their oath of service,
first responders are routinely called on to take courageous action
in perilous circumstances, and since 2000, more than 300 of these
dedicated professionals have been killed in the line of duty in
Texas; and
WHEREAS, The tragic loss of these brave public servants has a
profound and far-reaching effect on their loved ones and
colleagues; in an attempt to offer assistance and comfort to these
individuals, the Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force was founded in
2001; the organization dispatches response teams to aid families
and emergency service departments in the wake of a first responder
death, and it has also worked to focus attention on the subject;
toward that end, the group observed the inaugural Fallen First
Responder Awareness Month in May 2016; the event not only pays
tribute to first responders who have been killed but also
highlights the ongoing need to offer individualized support
services for those coping with such a loss; and
WHEREAS, First responders render invaluable service to the
residents of the Lone Star State, and it is indeed fitting to honor
the valor and selflessness of these men and women and to remember
those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while working to
safeguard their fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate May as Fallen First Responder Awareness Month;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That in accordance with the provisions of Section
391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect
until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally
passed by the legislature.
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