R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, For 32 years, Leon Sandles has served the Houston 1-2 Fire Department with integrity and dedication, and his noteworthy 1-3 career is truly deserving of special legislative recognition; and 1-4 WHEREAS, A graduate of Kashmere High School in Houston, this 1-5 esteemed gentleman earned an associate of arts degree in fire 1-6 technology from Houston Community College and attended Texas 1-7 Southern University and the University of Houston; in addition, 1-8 Mr. Sandles distinguished himself as a member of the United States 1-9 Army; and 1-10 WHEREAS, In his work with the Houston Fire Department, 1-11 Mr. Sandles has risked his life on countless occasions to safeguard 1-12 the citizens of Houston and their property, earning the respect and 1-13 admiration of all who have been privileged to work with him; and 1-14 WHEREAS, This civic-minded individual also benefits his 1-15 fellow citizens through his participation in such worthwhile 1-16 endeavors as the Houston Independent School District's Minority 1-17 Male Initiative Program and the Rites of Passage Program at Our 1-18 Mother of Mercy Church; his honors include an Outstanding Service 1-19 Award, the Sir Knight Louis Dorian Humanitarian Award and the 1-20 Silver Medal Award from the Knights of Peter Claver, and the 1-21 Outstanding Texan Award from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus; 1-22 and 1-23 WHEREAS, In beginning his retirement from the Houston Fire 1-24 Department, this dedicated public servant may reflect with pride on 2-1 a career well spent, and it is most appropriate that he be honored 2-2 at this time; now, therefore, be it 2-3 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-4 Legislature hereby commend Leon Sandles on his many years of 2-5 exceptional service with the Houston Fire Department and extend to 2-6 him sincere best wishes for a happy and rewarding retirement; and, 2-7 be it further 2-8 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-9 prepared for Mr. Sandles as an expression of high regard by the 2-10 Texas House of Representatives. Dutton _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 177 was adopted by the House on February 1, 2001, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House