SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 75
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize Stephen Willeford of Sutherland Springs for his
courageous actions and resolve in the midst of gravely dangerous
circumstances; and
WHEREAS, On November 5, 2017, the community of Sutherland
Springs experienced great tragedy and heartbreak when a gunman
opened fire on worshippers at the First Baptist Church; the
gunman killed 26 people and wounded 20 others; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Willeford, whose home is across the street
from the church, heard the gunfire and took immediate action;
disregarding his own safety, he grabbed his rifle and ran into
the street, where he encountered the gunman exiting the church,
and the two began exchanging gunfire; Mr. Willeford wounded the
gunman, who then got into his vehicle and fled the scene; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Willeford quickly engaged the assistance of
Johnnie Langendorff, who had stopped at an intersection while
driving near the scene of the shooting, and they embarked on a
high-speed chase in Johnnie's truck in pursuit of the gunman; the
gunman eventually ran off the road and wrecked his vehicle before
taking his own life; and
WHEREAS, Stephen Willeford's quick thinking and decisive
actions likely saved the lives of others the gunman might have
targeted; his courage under extreme pressure has served as an
inspiration to his fellow Texans and to citizens across the
country, and it is truly fitting that he receive special
recognition for his brave conduct; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby commend Stephen Willeford on his selfless
and heroic actions in the wake of a horrific mass shooting and
community tragedy; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
him as an expression of highest regard from the Texas Senate.
Zaffirini
Alvarado Hinojosa Paxton Alvarado Hinojosa Paxton
Alvarado Hinojosa Paxton
Bettencourt Huffman Perry Bettencourt Huffman Perry
Bettencourt Huffman Perry
Birdwell Hughes Powell Birdwell Hughes Powell
Birdwell Hughes Powell
Buckingham Johnson Rodríguez Buckingham Johnson Rodríguez
Buckingham Johnson Rodríguez
Campbell Kolkhorst Schwertner Campbell Kolkhorst Schwertner
Campbell Kolkhorst Schwertner
Creighton Lucio Seliger Creighton Lucio Seliger
Creighton Lucio Seliger
Fallon Menéndez Taylor Fallon Menéndez Taylor
Fallon Menéndez Taylor
Flores Miles Watson Flores Miles Watson
Flores Miles Watson
Hall Nelson West Hall Nelson West
Hall Nelson West
Hancock Nichols Whitmire Hancock Nichols Whitmire
Hancock Nichols Whitmire
Patrick, President of the Senate
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on January 29, 2019.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate
Alvarado Hinojosa Paxton
Bettencourt Huffman Perry
Birdwell Hughes Powell
Buckingham Johnson Rodríguez
Campbell Kolkhorst Schwertner
Creighton Lucio Seliger
Fallon Menéndez Taylor
Flores Miles Watson
Hall Nelson West
Hancock Nichols Whitmire