88R20961 KSM-D By: Alvarado, et al. S.R. No. 378 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Residents of Harris County lost an esteemed public servant with the passing of Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez on March 31, 2022, at the age of 51; and WHEREAS, A native of Houston, Darren Almendarez was born to Mary Helen Martinez and Abraham Almendarez Sr. on August 15, 1970, and he grew up with five sisters and four brothers; he shared a rewarding marriage with Flor M. Zarzoza Almendarez, and he was the proud father of three children, Andrea Almendarez, Kayla Rios, and Danny Rios; and WHEREAS, After graduating from Austin High School and attending Houston Community College and San Jacinto College, Mr. Almendarez enlisted in Class B1-99 of the Harris County Sheriff's Office Academy and graduated in 1999; over the course of his exemplary 23-year tenure with the sheriff's office, he served as a patrolman in District 3 and as a field training officer, certified instructor, Auto Theft Task Force investigator, and investigator with the Multi-Agency Gang Task Force, where he worked with agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; he was certified as a master peace officer; and WHEREAS, When he was off duty, Deputy Almendarez took great pleasure in traveling, saltwater fishing, woodworking, barbecuing, and working in his yard; he was a true animal lover who delighted in the time he spent with his many pets, and he was a loyal fan of the Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys; and WHEREAS, Although the untimely death of Darren Almendarez profoundly saddened his family and friends and those who were privileged to work alongside him, his record of dedicated service to his community will not soon be forgotten; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Harris County Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez and extend heartfelt sympathy to his loved ones and to all others who mourn his passing; and, be it further RESOLVED, That when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez.