By Thompson H.R. No. 552 77R9150 GMW-D 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.