SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 182
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
join the Texas Game Warden Association in celebrating 125 years
of exemplary service by the state's game wardens; and
WHEREAS, The position of Texas game warden traces its roots
to 1895, when the 24th Texas Legislature established the Fish and
Oyster Commission, and I. P. Kibbe was selected as its first
commissioner; he appointed numerous deputies, including William
Henry Sterling, one of the first conservation law enforcement
officers in Texas; and
WHEREAS, In 1899, the Fish and Oyster Commission was given
jurisdiction over all public waters, including freshwater
streams, lakes, and ponds; four years later, the commission's
duties were expanded to include commercial shrimping; and
WHEREAS, The agency has undergone several name changes
through the years; it has been known as the Game, Fish, and Oyster
Commission and as the Game and Fish Commission, and in 1963, the
agency was renamed the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; and
WHEREAS, In 1965, the professionals now known as Texas game
wardens were assigned the duty of promoting recreational water
safety for persons and property in all recreational waters of the
state; in 1971, game wardens were formally recognized by the 62nd
Texas Legislature as Texas peace officers who had full duties and
powers to preserve peace within the state; and
WHEREAS, Today, the more than 550 licensed Texas game
wardens are the modern-day equivalent of the deputy fish and
oyster commissioners of 1895; dedicated game wardens and their
predecessors have played a vital role in wildlife conservation
for more than a century, and it is truly fitting that they receive
special recognition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th
Legislature, hereby honor Texas game wardens for 125 years of
service to the Lone Star State and commend them for safeguarding
the natural resources of this state for the use and enjoyment of
present and future generations of Texans; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the Texas Game Warden Association as an expression of esteem for
game wardens from the Texas Senate.
Perry, Springer
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 23, 2021.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate
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Member, Texas Senate