1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 568 1-2 WHEREAS, On Saturday, April 10, 1999, the Top Ladies of 1-3 Distinction, Incorporated, will honor 30 female law enforcement 1-4 officers at a celebration at the Braeswood Hotel and Conference 1-5 Center; and 1-6 WHEREAS, Well-deserved recognition will be accorded these 1-7 meritorious ladies as Unsung Heroines, and the Honorary Chairlady 1-8 will be Houston Police Officer Vonda Higgins, who will receive the 1-9 1999 Merit Award; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Seriously injured in the line of duty, Vonda Higgins 1-11 is one of those courageous women in police work who risk their lives 1-12 every day to protect our citizenry; she believes in the importance 1-13 of a fair and effective law enforcement system; and 1-14 WHEREAS, Officer Higgins enjoyed her career as an undercover 1-15 drug officer; she was shot in the line of duty, and today she is a 1-16 quadriplegic with very limited use of her hands and arms; and 1-17 WHEREAS, Her tenacity and strength in applying herself to her 1-18 physical rehabilitation are commendable; her goal is to go back to 1-19 the work she loves; Vonda Higgins has not lost her sense of humor 1-20 and makes the very best of her situation; and 1-21 WHEREAS, The courage and personal sacrifice of this dauntless 1-22 officer are truly deserving of the 1999 Merit Award; now, therefore, 1-23 be it 1-24 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-1 76th Legislature, hereby congratulate Houston Police Officer 2-2 Vonda Higgins for winning this impressive award given by the Top 2-3 Ladies of Distinction, Incorporated; and, be it further 2-4 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for this 2-5 outstanding peace officer as an expression of the highest regard 2-6 and esteem of the Texas Senate. 2-7 Ellis 2-8 ______________________________________ 2-9 President of the Senate 2-10 I hereby certify that the above 2-11 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 2-12 on April 7, 1999. 2-13 ______________________________________ 2-14 Secretary of the Senate 2-15 ______________________________________ 2-16 Member, Texas Senate