R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The untimely passing of Victor C. "The Hammer"
 1-2     Castillo, of the El Paso Fire Department on January 21, 1999, at
 1-3     the age of 43, was a loss not only to his family and his fellow
 1-4     firefighters but to the entire community as well; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan exemplified in his personal and
 1-6     professional conduct the virtues of courage, integrity, and
 1-7     unwavering dedication, and his commitment to his fellow
 1-8     firefighters, as well as to the community he served, earned him the
 1-9     respect of all who knew him; and
1-10           WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of El Paso, Mr. Castillo joined
1-11     the El Paso Fire Department in 1978 and was a highly valued member
1-12     of this team of specialized professionals; he was promoted to fire
1-13     suppression technician in 1986 and was assigned to drive Pumper 21
1-14     at Fire Station No. 21; and
1-15           WHEREAS, Throughout his more than two decades with the
1-16     department, Mr. Castillo's record was one of meritorious service,
1-17     loyalty, personal bravery, and self-sacrifice consistent with the
1-18     highest ideals of the fire-fighting profession; and
1-19           WHEREAS, The Texas Association of Fire Fighters awarded him a
1-20     posthumous medal of honor, the highest accolade given to a
1-21     firefighter by the profession's international association; and
1-22           WHEREAS, Mr. Castillo's legacy of heroic dedication and
1-23     self-sacrifice will surely endure and continue to be a source of
1-24     inspiration to those who follow him in this difficult but essential
 2-1     profession; though his presence is gone from us now, he will long
 2-2     be remembered as a man of honor and integrity by the many people
 2-3     who knew and admired him; now, therefore, be it
 2-4           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
 2-5     Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Victor C. "The
 2-6     Hammer" Castillo and extend deepest sympathy to the members of his
 2-7     family: to his wife, Judith Castillo; to his parents, Clement and
 2-8     Catherine Castillo; to his stepdaughter, April McGlothlin; to his
 2-9     brothers and sisters; and to all of his many friends and relatives;
2-10     and, be it further
2-11           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-12     prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas
2-13     House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of
2-14     Victor C. Castillo.
                                                                      Chavez
                                                           Moreno of El Paso
                                                                    Haggerty
                                                                     Pickett
                                                                      Najera
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 135 was unanimously adopted by a
         rising vote of the House on March 25, 1999.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House