86R5536 JGH-F
By: Cyrier H.C.R. No. 69
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, For more than 120 years, the enforcement officers of
the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and its predecessors have
patrolled the rivers, lakes, and coast of the Lone Star State,
playing a central role in safeguarding the public waters; and
WHEREAS, In 1895, the 24th Texas Legislature created the
office of Fish and Oyster Commissioner, and in 1899, the Fish and
Oyster Commission was given jurisdiction over all public waters,
including freshwater streams, lakes, and ponds; the agency
underwent several name changes over the years, becoming the Game,
Fish, and Oyster Commissioner in 1907, the Game, Fish, and Oyster
Commission in 1929, and the Game and Fish Commission in 1951, and
since 1963, it has been known as the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department; and
WHEREAS, In 1965, the professionals now known as Texas game
wardens were tasked with promoting and enforcing water safety for
persons and property in all recreational waters of the state; since
1971, game wardens have been formally recognized as Texas peace
officers, and in 1997, the 75th Texas Legislature enacted House
Bill 966, which required all game wardens to be certified as marine
safety enforcement officers; in 2011, during the 82nd Legislative
Session, game wardens were designated as the primary officers
responsible for enforcing the provisions of the state's Water
Safety Act; and
WHEREAS, Today, game wardens patrol the public waters of
Texas to enforce hunting and fishing regulations and to promote
water safety; they have expanded their ranks from six officers in
1919 to more than 500, and TPWD's fleet has grown to include more
than 590 vessels, including two 65-foot patrol boats in the Gulf of
Mexico and 26 SAFE boats for use along the Gulf Coast; in 2013,
Texas game wardens were accredited by the National Association of
State Boating Law Administrators for their adherence to the U.S.
Coast Guard's national standards for training, qualifications, and
credentialing; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Texas game wardens play a crucial role
in homeland security and emergency management, including search,
rescue, and recovery efforts; in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
in 2005, they were the first out-of-state peace officers to be
deployed to New Orleans, where they were directly involved in the
rescue of 4,940 people from houses, apartments, and hospitals, and
during Hurricane Harvey, they rescued more than 12,000 Texans from
the storm's flood waters; in 2014, they took part in Operation
Strong Safety, a homeland security initiative along the
Texas-Mexico border; and
WHEREAS, The dedicated men and women who safeguard the public
waters of the Lone Star State for the use and enjoyment of present
and future generations truly deserve to be known, in the words of
former Governor George W. Bush, as our modern-day "Texas Navy," and
these individuals indeed merit recognition for their vital
contributions; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby recognize the game wardens of the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department as the "Texas Navy" and commend them for their
outstanding work as maritime safety enforcement officers; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the TPWD as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives and Senate.