By Gutierrez                                           H.R. No. 830
         77R7990 MJS-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The passing of Chief Alex Longoria of the McAllen
 1-2     Police Department on December 19, 2000, at the age of 53, brought a
 1-3     profound sense of loss to his family, friends, and community, and
 1-4     he will long be remembered by the citizens he so ably served during
 1-5     his years in office; and
 1-6           WHEREAS, A native Texan, Chief Longoria demonstrated his
 1-7     courage and devotion to his country as a member of the U.S. Army
 1-8     Military Police Corps in Vietnam before embarking on a
 1-9     distinguished career in law enforcement; and
1-10           WHEREAS, He joined the McAllen Police Department as a
1-11     uniformed officer on July 16, 1971; recognized for his dedication
1-12     to duty, integrity, and professionalism, he rose through the ranks
1-13     and in 1985 was named police chief, in which capacity he would
1-14     admirably serve for 15 years; and
1-15           WHEREAS, Chief Longoria brought leadership, stability, and
1-16     innovation to the department during his outstanding tenure;
1-17     increasing the force's operating budget from $4.5 million to $16
1-18     million over 15 years, he significantly upgraded technology,
1-19     improving communication within the department, within the city, and
1-20     with neighboring communities; moreover, he instituted a community
1-21     policing philosophy that led to the establishment of such
1-22     initiatives as foot patrols, K-9 patrols, bike patrols, teen court,
1-23     the D.A.R.E. program, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and
1-24     numerous others; and
 2-1           WHEREAS, A man who could bring people together, Chief
 2-2     Longoria gained a well-deserved reputation for his willingness to
 2-3     employ innovative solutions to solve tough problems; he also cared
 2-4     deeply about those in his command, and he created a fulfilling and
 2-5     rewarding work environment while earning the respect and admiration
 2-6     of his fellow officers; and
 2-7           WHEREAS, Chief Longoria also made a positive impact beyond
 2-8     the borders of the Lone Star State; he taught law enforcement
 2-9     classes for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Quantico,
2-10     Virginia, and served on national community policing panels; and
2-11           WHEREAS, Throughout his remarkable career, he was honored
2-12     with numerous accolades and received commendations from the White
2-13     House and the U.S. Attorney General's Office for his exemplary
2-14     record of service; and
2-15           WHEREAS, For nearly three decades, Alex Longoria was a model
2-16     officer and a source of encouragement and strength to all who were
2-17     privileged to work with him; although he will be missed, Chief
2-18     Longoria leaves behind an indelible legacy of achievement, and his
2-19     vast contributions to the McAllen community will not soon be
2-20     forgotten; now, therefore, be it
2-21           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
2-22     Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of McAllen police chief
2-23     Alex Longoria and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his
2-24     family:  to his wife of 30 years, Maria Margarita Longoria; to his
2-25     three children, Teresa Elena, Alejandro, and Veronica; to his
2-26     grandson, Joshua Anthony; and to his numerous colleagues and other
2-27     friends and relatives; and, be it further
 3-1           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
 3-2     prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
 3-3     Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Chief Alex
 3-4     Longoria of McAllen.