R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, Texans everywhere are indebted to the fine men and
 1-2     women in the law enforcement profession who, by their selfless
 1-3     dedication to the public welfare, have enabled us to enjoy the
 1-4     benefits of a peaceful and orderly society; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, These gallant individuals daily risk their lives in
 1-6     order to ensure domestic tranquillity and protect the lives and
 1-7     property of others; and
 1-8           WHEREAS, Officer Ronnie Ray Lerma of the Garland Police
 1-9     Department exemplified in his personal and professional conduct the
1-10     singular virtues of courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication;
1-11     and
1-12           WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure on the force, his record was
1-13     one of meritorious service, loyalty, personal bravery, and
1-14     self-sacrifice consistent with the high ideals of the law
1-15     enforcement profession; and
1-16           WHEREAS, Killed in the line of duty on September 21, 1998,
1-17     his untimely death was a tragic loss to his family, to his fellow
1-18     peace officers, and to the entire community; and
1-19           WHEREAS, His legacy of heroic dedication and self-sacrifice
1-20     will endure as a source of inspiration to those who follow in a
1-21     difficult but essential profession; now, therefore, be it
1-22           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
1-23     Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Officer Ronnie Ray
1-24     Lerma of the Garland Police Department and extend deepest sympathy
 2-1     to his family, his friends, and fellow officers; and, be it further
 2-2           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
 2-3     prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas
 2-4     House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of
 2-5     Officer Ronnie Ray Lerma.
                                                                      Chavez
                                                                      Driver
                                                                    Ehrhardt
                                                                    Giddings
                                                             Reyna of Dallas
                                                                      George
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 676 was unanimously adopted by a
         rising vote of the House on May 8, 1999.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House