R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The death of Sheriff James Richard (J. R.) Koog on
 1-2     January 23, 2001, at the age of 71, brought a profound sense of
 1-3     loss to his family, friends, and community, and he will long be
 1-4     remembered by the citizens he so ably served during his years in
 1-5     office for his deep commitment to fairness and justice; and
 1-6           WHEREAS, Born on May 24, 1929, Sheriff Koog demonstrated his
 1-7     valor and devotion to his country as a tank commander in the United
 1-8     States Army for three years in Korea and later joined the Army
 1-9     Reserve; and
1-10           WHEREAS, He began a highly successful career in law
1-11     enforcement in 1953 as a patrol officer and would later serve with
1-12     distinction as Del Rio's chief of police for more than 20 years
1-13     until his election as Val Verde County sheriff on November 2, 1976;
1-14     and
1-15           WHEREAS, Before retiring in 1995, Sheriff Koog made numerous
1-16     improvements to the department during his five terms in office,
1-17     upgrading the record and detective divisions and enhancing training
1-18     requirements; and
1-19           WHEREAS, This esteemed gentleman was the 10th person to serve
1-20     as sheriff of Val Verde County, and in that capacity he set a
1-21     standard of excellence for those who follow in his footsteps;
1-22     moreover, his integrity, dignity, and loyalty earned him a special
1-23     place in the hearts of West Texas residents as one of the region's
1-24     great lawmen; and
 2-1           WHEREAS, For more than 42 years, Sheriff Koog was a model
 2-2     officer and dutifully upheld the time-honored oath of protecting
 2-3     and serving the people of Val Verde County; and
 2-4           WHEREAS, Although he will be deeply missed, his enduring
 2-5     legacy will continue to live on in all those whose lives he
 2-6     touched, and it is most appropriate to honor his memory at this
 2-7     time; now, therefore, be it
 2-8           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
 2-9     Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of James Richard (J. R.)
2-10     Koog and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family:  to
2-11     his wife, Cherrill Vasbinder Koog; to his sons, James (Jay)
2-12     R. Koog, Jr., and Joel P. Koog; to his grandchildren, Ryan Lee Koog
2-13     and Camille LaPlant Koog; to his brother and sister, Ernest Koog
2-14     and Betty Jean Davee; and to his numerous other friends, relatives,
2-15     and former colleagues; and, be it further
2-16           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-17     prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas
2-18     House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of
2-19     Sheriff James Richard (J. R.) Koog.
                                                                     Gallego
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 220 was unanimously adopted by a
         rising vote of the House on April 5, 2001.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House