85S12906 JCD-D
By: Price H.R. No. 421
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Officer Justin Ryan Scherlen of the Amarillo Police
Department is being posthumously honored with a Star of Texas Award
on September 11, 2017, at a ceremony in the House of Representatives
Chamber of the Texas State Capitol in Austin; and
WHEREAS, Established in 2003 by the 78th Texas Legislature,
the Star of Texas Awards annually recognize first responders who
have been seriously injured or killed in the line of duty;
recipients are selected by three advisory committees appointed by
the governor; and
WHEREAS, Officer Scherlen died on August 4, 2016, at the age
of 39, after succumbing to injuries sustained the previous year
when his patrol car was struck by another vehicle; and
WHEREAS, The son of Tom and Nancy Scherlen, Justin Scherlen
was born in Amarillo on December 19, 1976, and he grew up with the
companionship of his brother, Trevor; he joined the Amarillo Police
Department in 2004 and had served on its honor guard and dive team;
he was a devoted husband to his wife, Jessica, and a proud father to
his four children, Charity, Taylor, Jackson, and Elijah; and
WHEREAS, Texans owe an immense debt of gratitude to the men
and women of the law enforcement profession who willingly place
themselves in harm's way to protect and serve the public, and the
presentation of a Star of Texas Award in memory of Officer Justin
Scherlen ensures that his dedication and sacrifice will not be
forgotten; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of
Officer Justin Ryan Scherlen on the occasion of his posthumous
receipt of a Star of Texas Award and extend sincere condolences to
all those who mourn his passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Officer
Justin Scherlen.