88R32912 BK-D
By: Blanco S.R. No. 666
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, On February 6, 2023, a powerful earthquake struck
southeastern Turkey and the northwest region of Syria, resulting in
tens of thousands of fatalities and catastrophic damage throughout
the area; and
WHEREAS, Governments around the world responded quickly to
requests for assistance, deploying rescue teams and providing aid
for the nearly 18 million people in Turkey and Syria who were
impacted by the disaster; among those who were involved in rescue
and relief efforts were personnel from both the United States and
Mexico, including members of the Joint Military Assistance Command
and affiliated Mexican agencies; and
WHEREAS, Mexico deployed search and rescue canine teams to
Turkey as part of international emergency relief operations, and
two canines lost their lives while participating in search and
rescue efforts; these heroic dogs were Proteo, who performed four
rescues and over 35 recoveries in the line of duty, and Frida, who
was involved in 12 rescues and 41 recoveries throughout her career;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to posthumously recognizing the two
search and rescue dogs, the Joint Military Assistance Command has
also awarded posthumous honors to a civilian canine, Pinky, who
demonstrated remarkable courage while fighting off robbers in the
disaster area and passed away five weeks after being wounded in the
incident; and
WHEREAS, These three valiant canines will be remembered not
only for their extraordinary acts of bravery, but also for the
special bonds of loyalty that they shared with their owners and
handlers, and they are truly deserving of recognition for their
honorable service; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby pay tribute to the lives of Proteo, Frida, and Pinky and
express sincere gratitude to all those who took part in search and
rescue operations in the aftermath of the 2023 Turkey-Syria
earthquake.