By Davila H.R. No. 639 74R8435 WMS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The men and women who pursue careers in the field of 1-2 law enforcement in Texas are united by their pledge to provide 1-3 safety and protection to their fellow Texans, even though the 1-4 fulfillment of that vital commitment often places them in harm's 1-5 way; and 1-6 WHEREAS, Officer Les Early, a valued member of the Pasadena 1-7 Police Department SWAT team, lost his life in the line of duty on 1-8 November 5, 1993, in a raid on a heavily fortified drug compound; 1-9 and 1-10 WHEREAS, During his nine-year career, Officer Early served 1-11 the people of Pasadena with distinction, earning the respect and 1-12 admiration of both the local citizenry and his fellow officers; he 1-13 was awarded numerous commendations for his outstanding service, 1-14 including two meritorious service medals for gallant actions taken 1-15 during dangerous SWAT operations; and 1-16 WHEREAS, Those who serve in the field of law enforcement are 1-17 among the most dedicated of all public servants, for they realize 1-18 that although their efforts may often place them in exceptional 1-19 physical peril, that level of personal risk is necessary to ensure 1-20 the safety of those they are sworn to protect; and 1-21 WHEREAS, Officer Les Early exemplifies the spirit of 1-22 self-sacrifice that is at the core of every peace officer's pledge 1-23 to provide for the safety of everyone in the community; although 1-24 his life has been tragically cut short, his memory will live on in 2-1 the hearts of all who were privileged to know him; now, therefore, 2-2 be it 2-3 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-4 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Pasadena police 2-5 officer Les Early and extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of 2-6 his family: to his wife, Patricia; to his son, Ian; to his fellow 2-7 officers; and to the many other friends and relatives of this 2-8 exceptional man; and, be it further 2-9 RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared 2-10 for the members of his family and that when the Texas House of 2-11 Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Officer 2-12 Les Early.