SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 113
WHEREAS, Many dedicated officers and honorably retired
officers of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are visiting
Austin on February 19, 2019, to celebrate Texas Game Warden Day
in conjunction with the annual Texas Game Warden and Game Warden
Peace Officer Association Conference at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Since 1895, when the office of Fish and Oyster
Commissioner was created by the 24th Texas Legislature, game
wardens have played an essential role in wildlife conservation;
the Fish and Oyster Commission was given jurisdiction in 1899
over all public waters, including freshwater streams, lakes, and
ponds, and its purview was soon extended to shrimping and
hunting; and
WHEREAS, The name of the agency later became the Game,
Fish, and Oyster Commission, and it changed again several times
to reflect the expansion of its mission until, in 1963, it merged
with the State Parks Board to form the current agency; in 1919,
there were just six wardens, but their numbers grew as their
duties continued to evolve, encompassing such tasks as the
promotion of recreational water safety and the apprehension of
criminals involved in a range of illegal activities in addition
to wildlife law violations; and
WHEREAS, In 1971, the legislature formally recognized as
peace officers all law enforcement officers within the Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department; the state is served today by some
550 game wardens, whose responsibilities have grown to include
participation in homeland security initiatives on the state's
border with Mexico; and
WHEREAS, For well over a century, game wardens have
enforced natural resource conservation laws in the Lone Star
State, and their vital contributions have earned the deep
appreciation of all Texans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby recognize February 19, 2019, as Texas Game
Warden Day at the State Capitol and honor these outstanding
professionals as they commemorate 124 years of public service.
Flores
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 19, 2019.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate