SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 183
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize Jeff Whitson for his exceptional service to the people
of Menard County during the state's historic 2021 winter storm; and
WHEREAS, For many years, Jeff Whitson has been a mainstay
of Menard County's emergency response team; he is an employee of
the City of Menard, and he served for more than a decade in law
enforcement and is a 25-year member of the Menard Volunteer Fire
Department; and
WHEREAS, As the winter storm approached Menard,
Mr. Whitson was helping to extinguish a house fire during the
early morning hours of Thursday, February 11; in the following
days, he responded to numerous calls to assist motorists who were
stranded and injured due to the icy and dangerous roadway
conditions caused by the storm; he was also instrumental in
opening an emergency warming center and assisting with its
relocation after the center lost electrical power; and
WHEREAS, Once electrical power was lost throughout the
region, Mr. Whitson played a vital role in resolving issues with
a radio relay tower and enabling the much-needed communication
between emergency responders to be restored; in addition, he
obtained a mobile generator from nearby Kimble County that
allowed the local propane vendor to provide fuel to residents and
provided power to sustain the local nursing home for 52 hours; on
February 17, while responding to another house fire, Jeff's
prompt and decisive action was a critical factor in saving the
life of a fellow firefighter who suffered a heart attack; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the devastating storm and its
aftermath, Mr. Whitson continued to aid his neighbors and fellow
citizens; he went above and beyond the call of duty to address
water leaks and to assist with flooding issues while continuing
to answer calls for support with the fire department; he has
truly demonstrated an uncommon dedication to duty and an
outstanding commitment to serving the citizens of Menard County,
and it is indeed fitting that he receive special recognition;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th
Legislature, hereby commend Jeff Whitson for his heroic actions
and extend to him sincerest gratitude for his invaluable service
to the Menard County communities in response to the catastrophic
2021 winter storm; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
Perry
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 22, 2021.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate