88R32999 TBO-D
By: Morales of Maverick H.R. No. 2491
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Fire Chief Manuel Mello III has made invaluable
contributions to his community during his 35 years of dedicated
service to the Eagle Pass Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Chief Mello first joined the department as a
volunteer in 1988, before being hired as a full-time employee in
1992; he worked on the front lines as a firefighter and emergency
medical technician for several years, and he was among the Eagle
Pass firefighters who were deployed to the massive Eagle Oil fire of
1994; while he and his colleagues were battling the blaze, he risked
his life by driving a burning 18-wheeler away from the scene, which
prevented many deaths that may have occurred if a fuel tanker had
caught fire; and
WHEREAS, As he excelled in his duties, Chief Mello received a
series of promotions, to lieutenant, acting captain, and assistant
fire chief; he took the reins of the department in 2015, and his
major accomplishments have included implementing new policies and
procedures, procuring new vehicles and equipment, and overseeing
the construction of the downtown fire station and the
reconstruction of Station 2; and
WHEREAS, Along the way, Chief Mello has continued his
professional development, earning certifications as a fire
instructor, fire officer, and certified fire executive, to name but
a few; he also served as the emergency management coordinator for
the City of Eagle Pass from 2014 to 2018, and since 2013, he has been
involved in the Amistad Border Task Force, a collaboration between
the Environmental Protection Agency and its Mexican counterpart to
address environmental issues on both sides of the border; and
WHEREAS, Chief Manuel Mello has exemplified the highest
ideals of his profession and contributed immeasurably to the safety
and well-being of his fellow citizens, and his exceptional efforts
have earned him the lasting respect and admiration of all who know
him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby honor Fire Chief Manuel Mello III for his 35
years of service to the Eagle Pass Fire Department and extend to him
sincere best wishes for continued success with his important work;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Chief Mello as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.