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.