88S40819 BK-D
 
  By: Burrows 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.