By Jackson                                             H.R. No. 237
       74R6155 SAJ-D
                                  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 comprised 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.