By Keel H.R. No. 1126 75R16408 JHS-D 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.