H.R. No. 204
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Texas game wardens have protected their fellow
citizens and the state's natural resources for 125 years; and
WHEREAS, In 1895, the 24th Texas Legislature established the
office of Fish and Oyster Commissioner to enforce laws related to
those industries; four years later, it gave the Fish and Oyster
Commission jurisdiction over all public waters, including
freshwater streams, lakes, and ponds, and it later added commercial
shrimping to the portfolio; and
WHEREAS, The agency underwent several name changes before
1963, when it became the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; in
that era, wardens were first charged with promoting recreational
water safety; the legislature designated game wardens as Texas
peace officers in 1971, and eight years later, TPWD hired its first
female game warden; and
WHEREAS, In the past decade, game wardens have formed
specialized teams to expand their capabilities; these include
underwater and swift-water recovery, forensic accident
reconstruction, and unmanned aerial surveillance; a K-9 unit was
launched in 2013, and game wardens have played a vital role in
rescue and recovery following such disasters as Hurricanes Ike and
Harvey; and
WHEREAS, A force once small in size and scope, game wardens
now number more than 550, and they have been called "the Swiss Army
knife of Texas law enforcement"; many have aided the COVID-19
pandemic response, delivering personal protective equipment,
conveying samples to labs, and assisting at testing sites; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of more than a century, game wardens
have worked tirelessly to safeguard the state's natural resources
while taking on increasing responsibilities, and in so doing, they
have earned the lasting respect and appreciation of past, present,
and future generations of fellow Texans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby honor Texas game wardens for 125 years of
service to the Lone Star State and extend to them sincere best
wishes for continued success in their endeavors; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Texas game wardens as an expression of high regard by
the Texas House of Representatives.
King of Hemphill
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 204 was adopted by the House on March
18, 2021, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House