By Saunders                                           H.R. No. 1155
       74R14235 BNL-D
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The calm and serene proceedings of the house of
    1-2  representatives were temporarily interrupted on April 6, 1995, when
    1-3  Texas Department of Public Safety Officer Mike Harris attempted to
    1-4  descend from the house gallery a bit more quickly than is usually
    1-5  advisable, thus securing his place in history as the first officer
    1-6  to literally fall in the line of duty while in the house chamber;
    1-7  and
    1-8        WHEREAS, Fortunately, his athletic prowess and agility
    1-9  prevented him from toppling over the edge of the gallery and onto
   1-10  the house floor, a tragedy that undoubtedly would have turned an
   1-11  otherwise routine session completely higgledy-piggledy and that
   1-12  would have seriously challenged the composure of our esteemed
   1-13  Speaker Laney; those representatives seated on the north side of
   1-14  the chamber beneath him, apparently grateful that he had
   1-15  thoughtfully spared their lives, led a hearty round of applause for
   1-16  Officer Harris, and demonstrating the aplomb and grace of a true
   1-17  professional, he responded with a bow; and
   1-18        WHEREAS, Although his injuries were limited to two broken
   1-19  fingers, his superiors wisely assigned him to lighter temporary
   1-20  duties so that he might have time to recover spiritually and
   1-21  emotionally, as well as physically, from the debacle; yet the
   1-22  members of this body have no doubt that he will soon be back on the
   1-23  job here in the house chamber, fighting for truth, justice, and
   1-24  better lighting in the house gallery; now, therefore, be it
    2-1        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
    2-2  Legislature hereby recognize Officer Mike Harris for his courage in
    2-3  the line of duty and officially dedicate in his honor the spot on
    2-4  the north side of the gallery where he fell; and, be it further
    2-5        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
    2-6  prepared for Officer Harris as an expression of high regard and
    2-7  good-natured ribbing by the Texas House of Representatives.