By Talton H.R. No. 694 74R11544 RNS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The death of a peace officer in the line of duty is 1-2 a tragic loss to the entire state, and the Texas House of 1-3 Representatives joins with the family, friends, and colleagues of 1-4 Pasadena police officer Leslie Ian Early in mourning the death of 1-5 this exemplary Texan on November 5, 1993; and 1-6 WHEREAS, During his participation in a major drug raid in 1-7 Houston, Officer Early served as point man for the assault team and 1-8 despite being fatally wounded, continued to defend the lives of his 1-9 fellow officers, demonstrating uncommon courage and valor; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Following his 1984 graduation from the Pasadena 1-11 Police Academy, Officer Early rose quickly within the ranks to 1-12 become assistant team leader for the department's SWAT team; in 1-13 addition, he served as an instructor at his alma mater and was 1-14 widely acknowledged as an expert in firearms and tactical training; 1-15 and 1-16 WHEREAS, This exceptional young officer was also the 1-17 recipient of numerous honors and commendations, including two 1-18 awards for meritorious service given during SWAT team operations; 1-19 an active member of the National Tactical Officers Association, 1-20 Officer Early worked tirelessly to improve the skills of those in 1-21 his profession and was well known as an innovator in the area of 1-22 officer survival training; and 1-23 WHEREAS, Officer Early was a gentleman of the highest caliber 1-24 whose legacy of dedication and self-sacrifice will endure, and 2-1 although his presence is gone from us now, his service will 2-2 continue to be a source of inspiration to his fellow peace officers 2-3 who pursue this noble and challenging profession; now, therefore, 2-4 be it 2-5 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-6 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Pasadena police 2-7 officer Leslie Ian Early and extend deepest sympathy to his wife, 2-8 Patricia, and to his son, Ian; and, be it further 2-9 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-10 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas 2-11 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 2-12 Officer Leslie Ian Early.