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