SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 766
WHEREAS, Former Santa Fe police chief Jeff Powell
demonstrated exceptional skill and bravery as he led his
department after the tragic campus shooting that took place at
Santa Fe High School on May 18, 2018; and
WHEREAS, On the day of the shooting, a 17-year-old entered
Santa Fe High School and opened fire, killing 8 students and 2
teachers and wounding 13 others; the incident was the worst act
of campus gun violence in Texas history, and it left the small
community stunned and heartbroken over the senseless loss of 10
innocent lives; and
WHEREAS, Chief Jeff Powell, who assumed office in August
2016, presided over the Santa Fe Police Department and took part
in the capture and interrogation of the shooter, and the
community's authorities rose to the challenge by effectively
carrying out justice without the need for FBI intervention; and
WHEREAS, A Santa Fe native and a graduate of Santa Fe High
School, Jeff Powell served his country in the United States
Marine Corps and pursued his career in law enforcement as a
Harris County sheriff's deputy for three years; he joined the
Palestine Police Department in August 1994 and rose from patrol
officer to positions of increasing responsibility, including
interim assistant chief; after 23 years in Palestine, he took the
reins as chief of the Santa Fe Police Department and served in
that role until his retirement in August of last year; and
WHEREAS, Chief Jeff Powell's steadfast dedication to
maintaining law, order, and public safety was of great benefit to
a community that was reeling from tragedy, and he may take pride
in the contributions that he made during this critical time; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby honor former Santa Fe police chief Jeff
Powell for the leadership that he provided in the aftermath of
the Santa Fe High School shooting 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 Jeff Powell as an expression of high regard by the
Texas Senate.
Taylor
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 17, 2019.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate