H.R. No. 742 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, Sergeant William Maldonado III, a valued member of 1-7 the San Antonio Independent School District Police Department, lost 1-8 his life in the line of duty on May 27, 1994, in an 1-9 automobile-related accident; and 1-10 WHEREAS, During his 10-year career, Sergeant Maldonado served 1-11 the people of San Antonio with distinction, earning the respect and 1-12 admiration of both the local citizenry and his fellow officers; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Truly concerned for the welfare of the young Texans 1-14 he was sworn to protect, this exemplary law enforcement officer 1-15 was a driving force behind the creation of the school district's 1-16 police department and also initiated the development of a unit to 1-17 address the growing problem of youth gangs; and 1-18 WHEREAS, Despite his serious demeanor, Sergeant Maldonado was 1-19 a caring individual whose compassion for others was demonstrated 1-20 time and again during his years on the force, including one 1-21 occasion when he replaced a class hamster that had been killed in a 1-22 burglary; and 1-23 WHEREAS, Sergeant Maldonado also devoted a great deal of time 1-24 and effort to assuring a higher level of safety for his fellow 2-1 officers by instructing them in vital survival techniques; and 2-2 WHEREAS, Those who serve in the field of law enforcement are 2-3 among the most dedicated of all public servants, for they realize 2-4 that although their efforts may often place them in great physical 2-5 peril, that level of personal risk is necessary to ensure the 2-6 safety of those they are sworn to protect; and 2-7 WHEREAS, Sergeant William Maldonado III exemplifies the 2-8 spirit of self-sacrifice that is at the core of every peace 2-9 officer's pledge to provide for the public safety of everyone in 2-10 the community; although his life has been cut tragically short, his 2-11 memory will live on in the hearts of all who were privileged to 2-12 know him; now, therefore, be it 2-13 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-14 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of San Antonio 2-15 Independent School District Police Department Sergeant William 2-16 Maldonado III and extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of his 2-17 family: to his mother, Josephine Maldonado, and his brother, 2-18 Kenneth Maldonado; to his fellow officers; and to the many other 2-19 friends and relatives of this exceptional man; and, be it further 2-20 RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared 2-21 for the members of his family and that when the Texas House of 2-22 Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Sergeant 2-23 William Maldonado III.