88R30701 TBO-D By: Kacal H.R. No. 2052 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the passing of Richard Michael Hempel of Kosse on May 9, 2023, at the age of 53; and WHEREAS, Rick Hempel was born to Fred and Glynn Hempel on September 19, 1969, and he grew up with the companionship of his brother, Trevor, and sisters, Ashley, Carrie, and Mary Beth; during his youth, he developed a deep admiration for first responders, and he participated in the Lake Jackson Explorer Program; he went on to enroll in the Alvin Police Academy, where he graduated in 1991; and WHEREAS, Early in his career, Mr. Hempel worked at the Clute and Bay City Police Departments; he later accepted a position as a full-time firefighter with the Freeport Fire Department, and he eventually became licensed as a nationally registered paramedic; he subsequently joined the Oyster Creek Police Department, where he rose through the ranks to become captain before his retirement in 2020; during the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as a paramedic for a COVID response unit, and he later worked at Limestone County EMS and the Groesbeck Volunteer Fire Department; and WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Hempel enjoyed the love and support of his wife, Kim, and he took great pride in his children, Steven, Michael, and Ryan, and his grandchildren, Kannon and Kendall; and WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to his family and his community, Rick Hempel made a meaningful difference in the lives of his loved ones and fellow citizens alike, and although he will be deeply missed, his contributions will be remembered for years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Richard Michael Hempel and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Kim Hempel; to his children, Steven Murff and his wife, Brook, Michael Hempel and his wife, Katelin, and Ryan Hempel and his girlfriend, Kylea; to his grandchildren, Kannon and Kendall Murff; to his mother, Glynn Hempel; to his brother, Trevor Hempel; to his sisters, Ashley Hempel, Carrie Hare and her husband, Shane, and Mary Beth; and to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Rick Hempel.