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78R9665 JHS-D

By:  Eiland                                                       H.R. No. 763



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The Galveston Police Department (GPD) recently 
deployed its marine unit and dive team to assist in the search for 
and recovery of debris from the tragic explosion of the space 
shuttle Columbia; and
	WHEREAS, Working in conjunction with the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency, the 
U.S. Navy, and a host of federal, state, and local organizations, 
members of the GPD Marine Unit and Dive Team have been using sonar 
scanning equipment to locate debris in Sabine County's Toledo Bend 
Reservoir; their careful planning and execution of this 
logistically demanding task have been crucial elements in the 
overall success of the mission; and
	WHEREAS, The search and recovery efforts have included the 
following dedicated professionals:  Sergeant Richard Kershaw, 
Sergeant David N. White, Jr., Sergeant Tim Galvan, Sergeant Michael 
Riedel, Corporal Richard D. McCullor II, Corporal Ronny Phillips, 
Corporal John W. Courtney, Jr., Corporal Pete Contenta, Corporal 
Gordon D. Pean III, Corporal Jeremi Smart, Officer Dion Watson, 
Officer Marcus Pitre, and Officer Larry Chambers; and
	WHEREAS, Special recognition is also deserved for the many 
residents of Sabine County who have generously provided food and 
encouragement for the search and recovery specialists throughout 
the duration of their stay in the area; and
	WHEREAS, By using their skill and expertise to locate 
fragments from the space shuttle, the dedicated members of the GPD 
Marine Unit and Dive Team are making a vital contribution to the 
successful completion of this mammoth undertaking, and their 
efforts will undoubtedly aid in this nation's ability to discover 
the cause of this unfortunate disaster and perhaps help to prevent 
future tragedies; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby commend Police Chief Robert Pierce and the 
members of the Galveston Police Department Marine Unit and Dive 
Team for their vital role in the search for and recovery of debris 
from the space shuttle Columbia explosion and extend to them 
sincere appreciation for a job well done; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the Galveston Police Department as an expression of 
high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.