SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 183
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
  recognize Jeff Whitson for his exceptional service to the people
  of Menard County during the state's historic 2021 winter storm; and
         WHEREAS, For many years, Jeff Whitson has been a mainstay
  of Menard County's emergency response team; he is an employee of
  the City of Menard, and he served for more than a decade in law
  enforcement and is a 25-year member of the Menard Volunteer Fire
  Department; and
         WHEREAS, As the winter storm approached Menard,
  Mr. Whitson was helping to extinguish a house fire during the
  early morning hours of Thursday, February 11; in the following
  days, he responded to numerous calls to assist motorists who were
  stranded and injured due to the icy and dangerous roadway
  conditions caused by the storm; he was also instrumental in
  opening an emergency warming center and assisting with its
  relocation after the center lost electrical power; and
         WHEREAS, Once electrical power was lost throughout the
  region, Mr. Whitson played a vital role in resolving issues with
  a radio relay tower and enabling the much-needed communication
  between emergency responders to be restored; in addition, he
  obtained a mobile generator from nearby Kimble County that
  allowed the local propane vendor to provide fuel to residents and
  provided power to sustain the local nursing home for 52 hours; on
  February 17, while responding to another house fire, Jeff's
  prompt and decisive action was a critical factor in saving the
  life of a fellow firefighter who suffered a heart attack; and
         WHEREAS, Throughout the devastating storm and its
  aftermath, Mr. Whitson continued to aid his neighbors and fellow
  citizens; he went above and beyond the call of duty to address
  water leaks and to assist with flooding issues while continuing
  to answer calls for support with the fire department; he has
  truly demonstrated an uncommon dedication to duty and an
  outstanding commitment to serving the citizens of Menard County,
  and it is indeed fitting that he receive special recognition;
  now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th
  Legislature, hereby commend Jeff Whitson for his heroic actions
  and extend to him sincerest gratitude for his invaluable service
  to the Menard County communities in response to the catastrophic
  2021 winter storm; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
  him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
 
  Perry
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on March 22, 2021.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate