78R8761 JH-D

By:  Cook of Colorado                                             H.R. No. 507



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The year 2003 marks the 127th anniversary of the 
State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas; and
	WHEREAS, Established in 1876 to promote, unify, represent, 
and educate members of the state's fire service community, the 
State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas is the 
oldest trade association in Texas and one of the state's largest; 
and
	WHEREAS, Today, the association counts more than 1,100 fire 
departments and over 20,000 individuals among its members from the 
volunteer, industrial, and career sectors of the state and more 
than 100 associate memberships from the related fire industry; and
	WHEREAS, Members of the State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' 
Association of Texas handle their responsibilities with efficiency 
and dedication to those they so conscientiously serve; and
	WHEREAS, This esteemed organization provides a certification 
program for its members and all members of the volunteer fire 
service in Texas; it also provides information to state 
representatives and senators and their staffs about issues 
concerning fire service in this state; and
	WHEREAS, The meritorious work and exemplary devotion to their 
communities have earned the state's firefighters the respect and 
admiration of all the citizens of Texas, and it is indeed 
appropriate to take this opportunity to honor their association; 
now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby commend the State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' 
Association of Texas and recognize March 19, 2003, as Firefighters 
Day at the State Capitol.