By Hinojosa                                            H.R. No. 311
         76R7056 JHS-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The recent passing of Edinburg's Johnny G. "The
 1-2     Greek" Economedes brought a great loss to the family, friends, and
 1-3     fellow citizens of this noteworthy man; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, A native of Brownsville, Mr. Economedes was born on
 1-5     November 14, 1932, and graduated from Pan American University with
 1-6     a bachelor's degree in physical education; this proud veteran
 1-7     served his country as a member of the U.S. Army during the Korean
 1-8     War, and from 1957 to 1972 he served as director of Parks and
 1-9     Recreation for the City of Edinburg; and
1-10           WHEREAS, Mr. Economedes was a long-time member of the
1-11     Edinburg Volunteer Fire Department, and he served as chief from
1-12     1977 to 1982; he then became the first salaried fire chief of the
1-13     Edinburg Fire Department, a post he held until his passing; and
1-14           WHEREAS, The recipient of a number of awards and accolades in
1-15     recognition of his outstanding performance as a firefighter, he
1-16     received the department's Firefighter of the Year award and the
1-17     American Legion Fireman of the Year award in 1975; he also served
1-18     as president of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Firefighters and Fire
1-19     Marshals Association; and
1-20           WHEREAS, Mr. Economedes's efforts were further recognized
1-21     when Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock honored him as a loyal fire
1-22     chief; he received national recognition for his efforts in helping
1-23     the City of Brownsville during the Amigo Store Roof Collapse and
1-24     met with national leaders to discuss programs in the Valley and the
 2-1     Southwest Texas Border Initiative; and
 2-2           WHEREAS, A former president of the Edinburg Chamber of
 2-3     Commerce, this remarkable man worked in behalf of his fellow
 2-4     citizens as co-chairman of the Edinburg Economic Development Board
 2-5     and as chairman of the Hidalgo County 911 Board; he also served on
 2-6     the Texas A&M University Fire School Advisory Board and was the
 2-7     coordinator of the City of Edinburg's Emergency Management Disaster
 2-8     Plan; and
 2-9           WHEREAS, Johnny Economedes shared a warm and loving
2-10     relationship with his wife, Linda, and with his children, Andrew
2-11     and Deanne, and although he is missed by them and all who knew this
2-12     wise and wonderful man, his spirit surely lives on in their hearts
2-13     and minds; now, therefore, be it
2-14           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
2-15     Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Johnny G. Economedes
2-16     and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his
2-17     wife, Linda Economedes; to his son, Andrew Economedes; to his
2-18     daughter, Deanne Economedes; to his sister, Tessie Comodromos; and
2-19     to the many other relatives and friends of this esteemed gentleman;
2-20     and, be it further
2-21           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-22     prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas
2-23     House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of
2-24     Johnny G. Economedes.