H.R. No. 237 R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Assistant Chief James Crate of the La Porte 1-2 Volunteer Fire Department was accorded a great honor recently when 1-3 he received the Texas Fire Fighter of the Year Award at the 1-4 American Legion Mid-Winter Convention; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Chief Crate was chosen to receive this prestigious 1-6 accolade by the legion's Department of Texas after careful 1-7 consideration of many qualified candidates from across the state, 1-8 and his selection is indicative of the success he has enjoyed 1-9 throughout his career and of the esteem in which he is held by his 1-10 colleagues; and 1-11 WHEREAS, He began a deeply fulfilling 27-year career with the 1-12 department in 1967; he quickly earned a reputation for excellence 1-13 based on his professionalism, dedication, and expertise, and he was 1-14 promoted to the rank of assistant chief just seven years later; and 1-15 WHEREAS, A capable administrator, Chief Crate has diligently 1-16 worked to improve the community's emergency management 1-17 capabilities, and to that end he established and maintains the 1-18 emergency communication system in La Porte; he also serves with 1-19 distinction as the communications officer of the Channel Industry 1-20 Mutual Aid Association, a 110-member organization composed of 1-21 municipalities, refineries, and chemical companies in East Harris 1-22 County who have joined together to assure their mutual protection; 1-23 and 1-24 WHEREAS, In addition to his many responsibilities in these 2-1 areas, he continues to work a daily shift as a fire fighter and 2-2 capably protects both the life and property of the citizens in his 2-3 community; and 2-4 WHEREAS, In recognition of his meritorious service throughout 2-5 his career, Chief Crate has received numerous honors and recently 2-6 received special commendation from the American Legion at the 2-7 national level; and 2-8 WHEREAS, Throughout his many endeavors, he has enjoyed the 2-9 love and support of his wife, Terry, and the couple's two fine 2-10 children, Sarah and James, Jr.; and 2-11 WHEREAS, Chief Crate's dedication to his community has 2-12 significantly benefited the residents of the La Porte area, and he 2-13 is indeed deserving of special praise and recognition on the 2-14 occasion of his most recent honor; now, therefore, be it 2-15 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-16 Legislature hereby congratulate James Crate for being named Texas 2-17 Fire Fighter of the Year by the American Legion and extend to him 2-18 warmest best wishes for many more years of continued success; and, 2-19 be it further 2-20 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-21 prepared for Chief Crate as an expression of high regard by the 2-22 Texas House of Representatives.