By: Oakley H.R. No. 798 73R11755 BNL-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The tragic deaths of four federal agents at the 1-2 Branch Davidian compound near Waco on February 28, 1993, have 1-3 brought a profound loss not only to the families of these respected 1-4 law enforcement officers but to the entire nation as well, and all 1-5 Americans join in mourning the passing of these distinguished 1-6 gentlemen; and 1-7 WHEREAS, While serving federal search and arrest warrants on 1-8 behalf of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), these 1-9 agents came under fire from individuals within the compound, and 1-10 special agents Conway C. LeBleu, Todd W. McKeehan, Robert 1-11 J. Williams, and Steven D. Willis lost their lives while attempting 1-12 to defend themselves and their fellow agents; and 1-13 WHEREAS, In the event's aftermath, as often happens in the 1-14 wake of a great tragedy, we are left with more questions than 1-15 answers, but no one can question the integrity and courage of the 1-16 brave men and women who were caught in the midst of this violent 1-17 and unpredictable crisis; across the nation, millions of Americans 1-18 join ATF agents in mourning their fallen colleagues, for the death 1-19 of a law enforcement officer while in the line of duty is a 1-20 grievous loss to all citizens; and 1-21 WHEREAS, Sworn to uphold, protect, and defend the laws of 1-22 this great nation, peace officers bear the burden of safeguarding 1-23 the rights that all Americans hold dear; it is their commitment to 1-24 the principles of freedom and democracy that compels them to 2-1 intervene when any individual or group threatens other citizens' 2-2 rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and 2-3 WHEREAS, These duties often put law enforcement officers in 2-4 mortal danger, but these valiant men and women willingly accept 2-5 this risk, thus ensuring that all citizens may enjoy the benefits 2-6 of a peaceful and orderly society; and 2-7 WHEREAS, The selfless efforts of these ATF agents near Waco 2-8 have reminded citizens of the tremendous debt of gratitude owed to 2-9 the heroic men and women of the law enforcement profession, for 2-10 they are entrusted with our lives and our liberty; we depend on 2-11 them to fulfill the duties of this dangerous but essential 2-12 profession, and in return, it is our sacred obligation to ensure 2-13 that their sacrifice will never be forgotten; now, therefore, be it 2-14 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas 2-15 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the lives and service of ATF 2-16 special agents Conway C. LeBleu, Todd W. McKeehan, Robert 2-17 J. Williams, and Steven D. Willis and extend deepest sympathy to 2-18 the members of their families: to Special Agent LeBleu's wife, 2-19 Paige, and to his two sons, Scott and Cameron; to Special Agent 2-20 McKeehan's wife, Leslie; to Special Agent Williams's wife, Cindy; 2-21 to Special Agent Willis's parents, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Willis, and 2-22 to his sister, Lisa; and to all the many friends and relatives of 2-23 these fine men; and, be it further 2-24 RESOLVED, That the house of representatives hereby request 2-25 the Texas Department of Transportation to erect an appropriate 2-26 memorial marker at the intersection of Farm-to-Market Road 2491 and 2-27 Ranch Road EE to remind Texans of the courage and sacrifice of 3-1 these dedicated peace officers; and, be it further 3-2 RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared 3-3 for the families of each of these special agents and for the Bureau 3-4 of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and that when the house of 3-5 representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Special 3-6 Agents Conway C. LeBleu, Todd W. McKeehan, Robert J. Williams, and 3-7 Steven D. Willis.