By Chavez H.R. No. 135 76R5255 MDM-D 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.