R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, For five years, the "Tour to Stop the Violence,"

 1-2     featuring Sergeant Mark Gil as "Police Ice," has been teaching

 1-3     children in Texas about the dangers of drugs and gang violence; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, This program combines situational stories and

 1-5     improvisational humor with the positive rap music of Police Ice to

 1-6     demonstrate the effects of drugs and the consequences of gang

 1-7     involvement; the contemporary lyrics presented by Police Ice

 1-8     promote self-worth and the need for kids to support each other in

 1-9     the many difficult decisions that they face; and

1-10           WHEREAS, Sergeant Gil has performed at schools throughout the

1-11     state, spreading the program's message to thousands of students,

1-12     teachers, and parents; his presentation is focused on four age

1-13     groups: prekindergarten through 2nd grade, 3rd through 5th grade,

1-14     6th through 8th grade, and 9th through 12th grade, and the program

1-15     has proven to be both popular and effective; and

1-16           WHEREAS, A 16-year veteran of the Austin Police Department

1-17     and a former Officer of the Year, Sergeant Gil has been decorated

1-18     with more than 300 individual commendations and merit awards; in

1-19     1994, he attended a ceremony at the White House, where he met

1-20     President Bill Clinton and received a Presidential Commendation for

1-21     his involvement in the Tour to Stop the Violence; and

1-22           WHEREAS, Children are our most precious resource, and the

1-23     importance of educating them about the potential dangers of drug

1-24     abuse and providing alternatives to gang involvement cannot be

 2-1     overstated, and the members of this chamber are proud to

 2-2     acknowledge the beneficial effects of this valuable program; now,

 2-3     therefore, be it

 2-4           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

 2-5     Legislature hereby recognize the Tour to Stop the Violence for its

 2-6     positive influence in the lives of our children and commend

 2-7     Sergeant Mark Gil for his heartfelt concern for the safety and

 2-8     welfare of the Lone Star State's young people; and, be it further

 2-9           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-10     prepared for Sergeant Gil and all those individuals associated with

2-11     the Tour to Stop the Violence as an expression of high regard by

2-12     the Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                        Keel

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 1126 was adopted by the House on May

         30, 1997, by a non-record vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House