R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, Officer Howard L. Martin of the Houston Police
 1-2     Department has been named the recipient of an Outstanding Texan
 1-3     Award for his contributions to the field of public safety; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, Presented by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus,
 1-5     this accolade recognizes individuals who have demonstrated
 1-6     outstanding service to their communities; with his integrity and
 1-7     dedication to duty, Officer Martin has proven himself most
 1-8     deserving of this prestigious honor; and
 1-9           WHEREAS, A native Texan who studied criminal justice at the
1-10     University of Houston, he began his law enforcement career on
1-11     January 8, 1968, as a traffic enforcement officer in Southwest
1-12     Houston and was later assigned to the northeast patrol division for
1-13     10 years; and
1-14           WHEREAS, In his current assignment as an officer for the
1-15     northeast community services division and as a liaison for the
1-16     Fifth Ward Blocks Organizing Neighborhood Defense, Officer Martin
1-17     has worked with many people to address their concerns and bring
1-18     about positive changes in the community that enhance the quality of
1-19     life for everyone; and
1-20           WHEREAS, This highly respected gentleman donates his time and
1-21     considerable talents in other ways as well and is a member of
1-22     Antioch Baptist Church, where he serves as an organist, guitarist,
1-23     and pianist for the congregation; and
1-24           WHEREAS, For more than three decades, Officer Martin has
 2-1     upheld the time-honored oath of the law enforcement profession to
 2-2     protect and serve his fellow citizens; the Houston community has
 2-3     reaped the benefits of his commitment and devotion to the public's
 2-4     welfare, and it is truly a privilege to pay tribute to him at this
 2-5     time; now, therefore, be it
 2-6           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
 2-7     Legislature hereby congratulate Officer Howard L. Martin of the
 2-8     Houston Police Department for earning an Outstanding Texan Award
 2-9     from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and extend to him sincere
2-10     best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further
2-11           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-12     prepared for Officer Martin as an expression of high regard by the
2-13     Texas House of Representatives.
                                                                      Dutton
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 489 was adopted by the House on April
         27, 2001, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House