Texas 2023 - 88th 4th C.S.

Texas House Bill HR95 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New	Differences
1	1	H.R. No. 95
2	2
3	3
4	4	R E S O L U T I O N
5	5	WHEREAS, A life defined by tremendous courage and resolve
6	6	drew to a close with the passing of former Lubbock firefighter
7	7	Matthew Dawson on November 26, 2023, at the age of 34; and
8	8	WHEREAS, Born in Lubbock on February 5, 1989, to Michael and
9	9	Cinthia Dawson, Matt Dawson grew up with the companionship of a
10	10	sister, Connie; he discovered his passion for helping others at an
11	11	early age, becoming involved in missionary work through his church;
12	12	he graduated from Lubbock-Cooper High School in 2007, and after
13	13	initially working for his father in the family business, he set his
14	14	sights on a career as a first responder; in 2009, he joined the
15	15	Woodrow Volunteer Fire Department, and he went on to earn his EMT
16	16	certification at South Plains College before attending the
17	17	Wolfforth Fire Academy in the fall of 2010; and
18	18	WHEREAS, Mr. Dawson subsequently became a member of Lubbock
19	19	Fire Rescue, and he found immense fulfillment in serving his
20	20	hometown as a member of the department; while devoting himself to
21	21	his duties as a firefighter, he advanced his professional
22	22	development by earning his paramedic certification and his fire and
23	23	medical teaching certification; he also served as an instructor at
24	24	the Wolfforth Fire Academy, where he enjoyed providing guidance and
25	25	support to future fire safety professionals; and
26	26	WHEREAS, Mr. Dawson demonstrated inspiring grace and
27	27	fortitude after he was critically injured in a roadside accident in
28	28	2020 that claimed the lives of two fellow first responders; the
29	29	unwavering determination he demonstrated during his recovery
30	30	enabled him to progress far beyond his doctors' and therapists'
31	31	expectations; and
32	32	WHEREAS, Along the way, Mr. Dawson became an advocate for the
33	33	5-5-5 Safety Initiative, which was founded by the parents of one of
34	34	the victims of the accident; during the 88th Texas Legislature, he
35	35	worked with lawmakers to secure the passage of House Bill 2468, the
36	36	Matt Dawson Act, which allows first responders who are injured in
37	37	the line of duty to receive workers' compensation benefits for
38	38	life; he retired from Lubbock Fire Rescue in April 2022, and he was
39	39	honored as an Unsung Hero of Lubbock the following June; and
40	40	WHEREAS, Above all, Mr. Dawson was a caring husband and
41	41	father; he and his wife, Chanda, shared a rewarding marriage that
42	42	spanned 12 years, and in 2014 they became the parents of a beloved
43	43	daughter, Preslee; and
44	44	WHEREAS, Although the passing of Matt Dawson is an
45	45	incalculable loss to all those who held him dear, he leaves behind a
46	46	record of service to his community and his profession that will be
47	47	remembered and admired for years to come; now, therefore, be it
48	48	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
49	49	Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of
50	50	Matthew Dawson and extend deepest condolences to all those who
51	51	mourn his passing; and, be it further
52	52	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
53	53	prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
54	54	Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Matt
55	55	Dawson.
56	56	Burrows
57	57	______________________________
58	58	Speaker of the House
59	59	I certify that H.R. No. 95 was unanimously adopted by a rising
60	60	vote of the House on December 5, 2023.
61	61	______________________________
62	62	Chief Clerk of the House