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.
Kacal
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2052 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 29, 2023.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House