H.R. No. 767 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Falls County Sheriff Ben Kirk retired on January 1, 2017, concluding a distinguished law enforcement career that spanned more than four decades; and WHEREAS, A veteran peace officer, Ben Kirk entered the profession as a communications operator in 1973, and he went on to work as a sheriff's deputy for over two decades; in 1997, he joined the Marlin Police Department as a patrol sergeant and earned promotion to chief of police the following year; he first took office as Falls County sheriff on January 1, 2001, and he served his fellow citizens with distinction for four consecutive terms; and WHEREAS, Noted for his calm demeanor, his personal integrity, and his commitment to his profession, Sheriff Kirk has earned the admiration of county residents and law enforcement officers alike; in all his endeavors, he has enjoyed the love and support of a caring family that includes his wife, JoAnn, and his two daughters, Ulonda and Tiffany; and WHEREAS, Throughout his 43 years as a public servant, Ben Kirk has dedicated himself to the safety and well-being of his fellow Texans, and he may indeed reflect with great pride on his many accomplishments as he looks forward to the next exciting chapter of his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Ben Kirk on his retirement as Falls County sheriff and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Sheriff Kirk as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Kacal ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 767 was adopted by the House on March 16, 2017, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House