By Goodman H.C.R. No. 269 75R14755 BNL-D HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, Department of Public Safety officers faced a 1-2 difficult situation recently when they responded to a hostage 1-3 crisis precipitated by a group of armed separatists in Fort Davis, 1-4 but through the restraint and sound judgment of the officers on the 1-5 scene, a potential disaster was averted; and 1-6 WHEREAS, The crisis began on April 27, 1997, when members of 1-7 the Republic of Texas separatist movement seized two hostages, 1-8 wounding one of the hostages in the process; the separatists then 1-9 ensconced themselves in their Fort Davis compound, and Department 1-10 of Public Safety officers and Texas Rangers were called to the 1-11 scene; and 1-12 WHEREAS, Texas Rangers Captain Barry Caver opened 1-13 negotiations with the group and, prudently using unorthodox methods 1-14 when necessary, secured the safe release of both hostages just 12 1-15 hours into the ordeal; despite provocative radio transmissions from 1-16 the separatists indicating that they intended to attack, the law 1-17 enforcement officers stood their vigil and withheld fire, allowing 1-18 Captain Caver to continue negotiations; and 1-19 WHEREAS, Those officers were aided in their efforts by a 1-20 coalition of local, state, and federal entities, including the 1-21 Parks and Wildlife Department, the Forest Service, the Department 1-22 of Criminal Justice, Smith County, the National Guard, the United 1-23 States Border Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and 2-1 WHEREAS, Seven days after the standoff began, the leader of 2-2 the movement surrendered peacefully; a subsequent search of the 2-3 compound revealed a disturbing array of weaponry, ammunition, and 2-4 explosives, underscoring the tragedy that could have ensued if the 2-5 negotiations had failed; and 2-6 WHEREAS, Sworn to uphold, protect, and defend the laws of 2-7 this state, peace officers are called on to exercise supreme 2-8 self-control in the face of unpredictable and life-threatening 2-9 situations, and order in our society rests largely in their ability 2-10 to remain calm and focused under extreme duress; the officers 2-11 involved in the Fort Davis incident truly lived up to these 2-12 exacting standards, and through their actions they set an example 2-13 of crisis resolution that will undoubtedly serve as a model for law 2-14 enforcement agencies throughout the nation; now, therefore, be it 2-15 RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-16 hereby commend the Department of Public Safety for its effective 2-17 handling of the Fort Davis incident and extend to all law 2-18 enforcement officials involved deepest thanks in behalf of their 2-19 fellow Texans; and, be it further 2-20 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-21 prepared for the Department of Public Safety as an expression of 2-22 high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.