By Hightower H.R. No. 979 75R15626 BNL-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) 1-2 personnel provided invaluable aid in the recent standoff between 1-3 the Republic of Texas separatist faction and law enforcement 1-4 officials, and their efforts are indeed deserving of special 1-5 legislative recognition; and 1-6 WHEREAS, While Texas Rangers and Department of Public Safety 1-7 troopers conducted negotiations with the armed group, the Texas 1-8 Department of Criminal Justice provided meals, water, and bedding 1-9 to the many law enforcement officials stationed on the scene; and 1-10 WHEREAS, The department provided even greater assistance when 1-11 two men escaped from the group's compound and fled into the rugged 1-12 wilderness of the nearby Davis Mountains; because the immense 1-13 terrain was inaccessible to vehicles, TDCJ tracking dogs were used 1-14 to pursue the fugitives, while correctional officers followed on 1-15 horseback and on foot; and 1-16 WHEREAS, These specially trained redbone hounds succeeded 1-17 where all else failed, twice picking up the trail of the fugitives 1-18 and leading officers to their location; tragically, two of the dogs 1-19 were wounded and another was killed in the line of duty, and a TDCJ 1-20 supervisor had to resort to deadly force when one of the fugitives 1-21 opened fire on law enforcement officials; and 1-22 WHEREAS, Throughout the Fort Davis standoff and subsequent 1-23 manhunt, law enforcement officers and personnel representing a wide 1-24 range of state, local, and federal entities worked together day and 2-1 night to effect a peaceful end to the crisis, and Texans owe a 2-2 great debt of gratitude to all of these fine men and women; Texas 2-3 Department of Criminal Justice representatives deserving of special 2-4 mention include TDCJ Executive Director Wayne Scott, Institutional 2-5 Division Director Gary Johnson, Senior Warden Terry Foster of the 2-6 Lynaugh and Fort Stockton units, and Field Lieutenant Eric Pechacek 2-7 and Kennel Sergeant Ralph Hager of the Lynaugh Unit, each of whom 2-8 made exceptional contributions to the resolution of this 2-9 potentially disastrous situation; and 2-10 WHEREAS, In the face of tremendous danger and with numerous 2-11 lives on the line, Texas Department of Criminal Justice personnel 2-12 responded quickly, decisively, and effectively to this unfortunate 2-13 situation; their expertise and assistance proved crucial throughout 2-14 the events that unfolded in and around Fort Davis, and their heroic 2-15 service will not be forgotten; now, therefore, be it 2-16 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-17 Legislature hereby honor the Texas Department of Criminal Justice 2-18 personnel who helped to resolve the standoff at Fort Davis and 2-19 extend to them deepest appreciation on behalf of all Texans; and, 2-20 be it further 2-21 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-22 prepared for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as an 2-23 expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.