By Davis of Dallas                                     H.R. No. 598
         77R10413 MW-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, On March 31, 2001, Burl Jernigan of Dallas is
 1-2     retiring as chief constable of Dallas County Precinct 7, bringing
 1-3     to a close a distinguished 30-year career in law enforcement that
 1-4     indeed deserves special legislative recognition; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, Mr. Jernigan earned a bachelor's degree in criminal
 1-6     justice from Bishop College and a master police certificate from
 1-7     Southwest Texas State University; early in his career, he was an
 1-8     officer with the Dallas and Ennis police departments as well as
 1-9     chief of patrol and investigations with the North Dallas
1-10     Neighborhood CO-OP Patrol; and
1-11           WHEREAS, After working as deputy constable of Precinct 7 for
1-12     13 years, Mr. Jernigan took office as chief constable in 1988 and
1-13     became the first African American constable for that precinct; and
1-14           WHEREAS, Deeply committed to his profession, Constable
1-15     Jernigan initiated many noteworthy developments during his terms;
1-16     he added precinct walk patrols, a bicycle unit, and a traffic unit,
1-17     as well as creating an investigations unit and implemented
1-18     techniques that have assisted in the apprehension of a number of
1-19     notorious criminals; and
1-20           WHEREAS, Mr. Jernigan has taught police community relations
1-21     and law enforcement classes on college campuses in Dallas County,
1-22     and he has extended his influence to support community programs
1-23     targeting the area's youth, including a zero violence policy on the
1-24     last day of school, and has tirelessly worked to educate the public
 2-1     concerning laws enacted for their protection; and
 2-2           WHEREAS, Because of his expertise and proven abilities, this
 2-3     esteemed Texan has been called upon by various community and
 2-4     national leaders such as President Bill Clinton to assist in
 2-5     security efforts within Dallas County; while he has received
 2-6     numerous accolades and recognitions through the years, he is most
 2-7     honored by the overwhelming gratitude he receives from area
 2-8     residents; and
 2-9           WHEREAS, An exemplary lawman and outstanding leader in his
2-10     community, Constable Jernigan leaves an indelible impression
2-11     through his many good works that will not soon be forgotten, and it
2-12     is most appropriate to honor him at this time; now, therefore, be
2-13     it
2-14           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
2-15     Legislature hereby commend Constable Burl Jernigan for his
2-16     noteworthy career and extend to him sincere best wishes for a
2-17     well-deserved retirement; and, be it further
2-18           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-19     prepared for Mr. Jernigan as an expression of high regard by the
2-20     Texas House of Representatives.