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78R9666 JHS-D

By:  Eiland                                                       H.R. No. 764



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The tragic reentry explosion of the space shuttle 
Columbia on February 1, 2003, resulted in the scattering of debris 
in several of our state's lakes and reservoirs, including Lake 
Nacogdoches and the Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend reservoirs, and 
members of the Galveston County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit have 
ably joined in the effort to find and recover wreckage from the 
disaster; and
	WHEREAS, Using sonar screening equipment, these search and 
recovery specialists trolled Toledo Bend Reservoir to locate 
underwater debris; this already arduous task was made even more 
difficult by inclement weather, yet the marine unit persevered and 
has pursued its mission with the utmost professionalism; and
	WHEREAS, Members of the marine unit who have provided 
assistance in this vital endeavor include Lieutenant Chuck Walsh, 
Sergeant Greg White, Sergeant Randy Burrows, Deputy Glenn Maddux, 
Deputy Don Gay, Jr., and Deputy Brent Walker; these fine peace 
officers have been supported in their endeavors by those residents 
of south Sabine County who have provided food and encouragement to 
search and recovery personnel throughout the challenging ordeal; 
and
	WHEREAS, This monumental project has truly been a team effort 
that has required the resources of the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency, NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. 
Navy, as well as Texas organizations such as the Galveston County 
Sheriff's Office Marine Unit; in times of national tragedy, we can 
all be proud of the fact that the citizens of Texas are eager and 
willing to do whatever is necessary to resolve a crisis; and
	WHEREAS, Under the direction of Sheriff Gean Leonard, the 
Galveston County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit has earned the 
admiration of a grateful citizenry for the pivotal work it has done 
in bringing this sad tragedy to its conclusion; now, therefore, be 
it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby commend the Galveston County Sheriff's Office 
Marine Unit for its role in the search for and recovery of debris 
from the space shuttle Columbia disaster and extend sincere best 
wishes to those individuals who have participated in this important 
undertaking; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the Galveston County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit as 
an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.