SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of Texas joins the 1-2 citizens of Houston in paying tribute to the memory of Assistant 1-3 Fire Chief Dennis W. Holder, who died November 23, 1995, at the age 1-4 of 59; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Born on March 15, 1936, in Goree, Texas, he 1-6 graduated from Wichita Falls High School; and 1-7 WHEREAS, Joining the Houston Fire Department in September, 1-8 1957, he distinguished himself through a lifetime of service to the 1-9 Houston community; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Promoted to Assistant Fire Chief on October 31, 1-11 1981, he was the last Assistant Chief promoted under the Civil 1-12 Service process; and 1-13 WHEREAS, During the course of his career, this highly 1-14 regarded gentleman played an important role in the development of 1-15 the department; he established job-related EEOC/federal court 1-16 approved entrance standards for the recruitment of Houston Fire 1-17 Department personnel; and 1-18 WHEREAS, An exemplary leader, he assisted in the design and 1-19 implementation of the 911 system, and he was instrumental in 1-20 integrating the EMS into the fire department; and 1-21 WHEREAS, Noted for his excellence and dedication to his work, 1-22 he played a major role in bringing about the Deferred Retirement 1-23 Option Plan and other pension benefit enhancements for Houston 2-1 firefighters; and 2-2 WHEREAS, A member of Local 341, he served as an outstanding 2-3 trustee from 1970 to 1971; serving as legislative director from 2-4 1972 to 1983, Chief Holder successfully lobbied the Texas 2-5 Legislature on behalf of Houston firefighters and the City of 2-6 Houston; and 2-7 WHEREAS, A man of many talents and achievements, Chief Holder 2-8 drafted legislation for statewide fire protective clothing 2-9 standards; and 2-10 WHEREAS, Dennis Holder served as trustee for the Houston 2-11 Firemen's Relief and Retirement Fund from 1988 to 1995 and as chair 2-12 since 1990; during his tenure, fund assets grew from $480 million 2-13 to $895 million; and 2-14 WHEREAS, His exemplary commitment to his vocation earned him 2-15 the respect and admiration of his colleagues; he is greatly missed; 2-16 and 2-17 WHEREAS, Chief Holder left a legacy of compassion and 2-18 commitment that will be remembered with gratitude by all those who 2-19 knew and loved him; now, therefore, be it 2-20 RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas, 2-21 hereby extend sincere condolences to the family of Dennis W. 2-22 Holder: his wife, Linda; his father and mother, Carl and Esther 2-23 Holder; his children, Roger, Randy, Laura, and Dana; his sister, 2-24 Betty Williamson; his stepchildren, Barbara, Rock, Karen, and Pam 2-25 Engelkirk; and his four grandchildren; and, be it further 3-1 RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for his 3-2 family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas 3-3 Legislature, and that when the legislature adjourns this day, it do 3-4 so in memory of Assistant Chief Dennis W. Holder. _______________________________ _______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 102 was adopted by the Senate on May 21, 1997. _______________________________ Secretary of the Senate I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 102 was adopted by the House on May 28, 1997. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House Approved: _______________________________ Date _______________________________ Governor