H.R. No. 95
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life defined by tremendous courage and resolve
drew to a close with the passing of former Lubbock firefighter
Matthew Dawson on November 26, 2023, at the age of 34; and
WHEREAS, Born in Lubbock on February 5, 1989, to Michael and
Cinthia Dawson, Matt Dawson grew up with the companionship of a
sister, Connie; he discovered his passion for helping others at an
early age, becoming involved in missionary work through his church;
he graduated from Lubbock-Cooper High School in 2007, and after
initially working for his father in the family business, he set his
sights on a career as a first responder; in 2009, he joined the
Woodrow Volunteer Fire Department, and he went on to earn his EMT
certification at South Plains College before attending the
Wolfforth Fire Academy in the fall of 2010; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dawson subsequently became a member of Lubbock
Fire Rescue, and he found immense fulfillment in serving his
hometown as a member of the department; while devoting himself to
his duties as a firefighter, he advanced his professional
development by earning his paramedic certification and his fire and
medical teaching certification; he also served as an instructor at
the Wolfforth Fire Academy, where he enjoyed providing guidance and
support to future fire safety professionals; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dawson demonstrated inspiring grace and
fortitude after he was critically injured in a roadside accident in
2020 that claimed the lives of two fellow first responders; the
unwavering determination he demonstrated during his recovery
enabled him to progress far beyond his doctors' and therapists'
expectations; and
WHEREAS, Along the way, Mr. Dawson became an advocate for the
5-5-5 Safety Initiative, which was founded by the parents of one of
the victims of the accident; during the 88th Texas Legislature, he
worked with lawmakers to secure the passage of House Bill 2468, the
Matt Dawson Act, which allows first responders who are injured in
the line of duty to receive workers' compensation benefits for
life; he retired from Lubbock Fire Rescue in April 2022, and he was
honored as an Unsung Hero of Lubbock the following June; and
WHEREAS, Above all, Mr. Dawson was a caring husband and
father; he and his wife, Chanda, shared a rewarding marriage that
spanned 12 years, and in 2014 they became the parents of a beloved
daughter, Preslee; and
WHEREAS, Although the passing of Matt Dawson is an
incalculable loss to all those who held him dear, he leaves behind a
record of service to his community and his profession that will be
remembered and admired for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of
Matthew Dawson and extend deepest condolences to all those who
mourn his passing; 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 Matt
Dawson.
Burrows
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 95 was unanimously adopted by a rising
vote of the House on December 5, 2023.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House