R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, On April 1, 2001, Lacy T. Fryer, Sr., the first
 1-2     African American to be employed by the Texas Department of
 1-3     Agriculture, marks 35 years of devoted service to the agency and to
 1-4     the State of Texas; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, A native Texan, Mr. Fryer earned a bachelor's degree
 1-6     from Prairie View A&M University in 1965; not long after his
 1-7     graduation, he joined the Department of Agriculture, and there he
 1-8     has remained and excelled through the years; and
 1-9           WHEREAS, This esteemed gentleman has served under five
1-10     agriculture commissioners and has held numerous noteworthy
1-11     positions, including as chairperson of the agency's Equal
1-12     Employment Opportunity Committee; currently, he is a regional
1-13     director, and in this capacity he manages the Houston Region field
1-14     staff of 47 employees while ensuring the efficient operation of the
1-15     regional office; moreover, he is responsible for the development
1-16     and management of the regional annual budget, which exceeds $2
1-17     million; and
1-18           WHEREAS, In addition to serving on various agricultural and
1-19     association committees, Mr. Fryer was one of the first two African
1-20     Americans to join the Texas National Guard; the honors he has
1-21     received through the years include the Outstanding Contributions in
1-22     the Field of Civics Award from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus
1-23     and the Distinguished Alumni Signal Service Award from his alma
1-24     mater; and
 2-1           WHEREAS, A valued state employee and a loving husband and
 2-2     father, Lacy T. Fryer, Sr., is a man of impressive ability and
 2-3     integrity, and it is a privilege to recognize him at this time;
 2-4     now, therefore, be it
 2-5           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
 2-6     Legislature hereby commend Lacy T. Fryer, Sr., for his decades of
 2-7     dedication to the Texas Department of Agriculture and to the Lone
 2-8     Star State; and, be it further
 2-9           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-10     prepared for Mr. Fryer as an expression of high regard by the Texas
2-11     House of Representatives.
                                                                    Thompson
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 552 was adopted by the House on March
         15, 2001, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House