By Dutton                                              H.R. No. 177
         77R5584 JKB-D                           
                                 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.