H.C.R. No. 46 


HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Sheriffs' Association of Texas, one of the nation's oldest law enforcement organizations, provides vital support to law officers throughout the Lone Star State; and WHEREAS, The sheriffs' association met for the first time on August 14, 1874, in the Navarro County Courthouse in Corsicana; the meeting was presided over by Sul Ross, the sheriff of McLennan County, who would later become one of the Lone Star State's most revered statesmen; and WHEREAS, Formed for the purpose of aiding each other in order to better protect the state's citizens, the association seeks to ensure that each officer remains up-to-date on new procedures and laws and performs the officer's tasks with the utmost professionalism; to that end, the association offers frequent training programs and an annual training conference; and WHEREAS, The first training conference took place in 1878, and today these events represent the largest composite gathering of law enforcement officers in Texas; the annual conference is attended by the state's 254 county sheriffs as well as by local, state, and federal peace officers and major industry security personnel; and WHEREAS, Sheriffs in Texas are elected to four-year terms and are charged with conserving the peace, enforcing the criminal laws of the state, and overseeing the county jail; these dedicated public servants are also responsible for bail bonds, civil process, courtroom security, and even collecting taxes in some smaller counties; while helping its members strive for excellence in the performance of these duties, the Sheriffs' Association of Texas also encourages eligible students and Texas peace officers to further their higher education through the awarding of scholarships to deserving recipients who are interested in pursuing an academic degree; and WHEREAS, Performing the duties of county sheriff requires knowledge of the law, administrative skill, integrity, and dedication, and the men and women who accept the responsibilities of this office contribute immeasurably to the safety of their fellow citizens and to the peace and order of our society; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby welcome the visiting members of the Sheriffs' Association of Texas to the State Capitol and commend them for their dedication to protecting and serving the citizens of Texas; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Sheriffs' Association of Texas as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate. Craddick ______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 46 was adopted by the House on February 12, 2003, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 46 was adopted by the Senate on February 12, 2003, by a viva-voce vote. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: __________________ Date __________________ Governor