78R3494 JNC-D

By:  Allen                                                        H.R. No. 361



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Jacob Cleveland "J. C." Swadley was a man of rare  
dedication and integrity, and his passing on February 20, 2002, 
brought sadness to the many people who respected and adored him; and
	WHEREAS, Born in his lifelong residence of Grand Prairie on 
September 21, 1913, Mr. Swadley began his career as a volunteer 
firefighter in 1931; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Swadley set two milestones in Grand Prairie's 
fire-fighting history by becoming the city's first paid firefighter 
and first paid fire chief; though he left the department in 1961, he 
continued to offer his expertise, insight, and energy to the city 
and to firefighters across the state; and
	WHEREAS, Lovingly called the "Real Fire Chief," this 
estimable gentleman was a father figure and mentor to many; in a 
show of admiration, Grand Prairie renamed Fire Station No. 1 in his 
honor; and
	WHEREAS, One of his joys later in life was helping to maintain 
the equipment of the department, and in his last days Mr. Swadley 
took great pleasure in helping to restore a 1939 fire truck that was 
built by his own father; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Swadley became fire protection chief at Six 
Flags Over Texas after leaving the Grand Prairie Fire Department, 
and he was a highly respected leader in a number of state and local 
firefighters' associations; and
	WHEREAS, With a deeply ingrained passion for his work, J. C. 
Swadley dedicated much of his life to serving others; he is truly 
missed, but his vitality and love for his profession live on in the 
hearts of those who knew this remarkable man; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor the life of Jacob Cleveland "J. C." 
Swadley and extend sincere sympathy to his sister, Rowena Clark; to 
his sister-in-law, Billie Ann Mazurette; and to the innumerable 
firefighters whose lives he touched over the years; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of 
Representatives adjourns on this day, it do so in memory of J. C. 
Swadley.