By Gallego H.R. No. 221 77R5041 MDM-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor 1-2 William Steven "Steve" Whitley of Alpine for his many contributions 1-3 to the law enforcement profession; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Born in Abilene, he spent his childhood on ranches 1-5 in Sterling, Pecos, and Terrell counties and earned his diploma 1-6 from Iraan High School; he pursued his studies at Lubbock Christian 1-7 University and earned a bachelor's degree from Abilene Christian 1-8 University and a master's degree from Central Texas University; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Mr. Whitley graduated from the Abilene Police 1-10 Academy before ably serving his country as a United States Army 1-11 criminal investigator in Korea; following his discharge, he became 1-12 a member of the Abilene Police Department and later joined the 1-13 Mesquite Police Department; and 1-14 WHEREAS, In 1975, this dedicated lawman began a 15-year 1-15 tenure with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer 1-16 Standards and Education and played a key role in its formative 1-17 years; he served as an advisor to instructors and academy 1-18 administrators, evaluated degree programs, and was a guest 1-19 instructor at colleges; in addition, he was instrumental in the 1-20 development of advanced standing law enforcement examinations as 1-21 well as the first self-paced independent study courses for Texas 1-22 peace officers; and 1-23 WHEREAS, Sul Ross State University students benefited from 1-24 Mr. Whitley's expertise in his field when he served as a criminal 2-1 justice lecturer and director of the Sul Ross State University Law 2-2 Enforcement Academy from 1990 to 1996, during which time he was 2-3 twice nominated for inclusion in Who's Who Among America's 2-4 Teachers; and 2-5 WHEREAS, Elected sheriff by Brewster County voters in 1997, 2-6 he was responsible for numerous improvements during his term, 2-7 including repairs to the jail to ensure that it met state 2-8 standards; he also increased the amount of specialized training for 2-9 deputies, created an additional staff position, and improved the 2-10 safety of department vehicles; and 2-11 WHEREAS, He maintained productive relations with local and 2-12 national law enforcement agencies and helped form the West Texas 2-13 Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, serving as president of its board 2-14 in 2000; and 2-15 WHEREAS, A devoted family man as well, Mr. Whitley and his 2-16 wife, Jan, have been happily married for 32 years and take great 2-17 pride in their two sons and one grandson; and 2-18 WHEREAS, For more than 30 years, William Steven Whitley has 2-19 exemplified the highest ideals of the law enforcement profession 2-20 and he is truly deserving of recognition at this time; now, 2-21 therefore, be it 2-22 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-23 Legislature hereby commend William Steven Whitley for his deep 2-24 commitment to the safety of his fellow Texans and extend to him 2-25 sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it 2-26 further 2-27 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 3-1 prepared for Mr. Whitley as an expression of high regard by the 3-2 Texas House of Representatives.