79S11236 KO-D

By:  Callegari                                                    H.R. No. 406



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Steve Pierson of Katy is retiring from his position 
with the Harris County Sheriff's Department, bringing to a close an 
outstanding career in law enforcement that has spanned nearly three 
decades; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Pierson began his tenure in 1977 as a reserve 
deputy and was hired on a full-time basis two years later; promoted 
to sergeant in 1991, he has ably served the department in many 
areas, such as the rehabilitation center, communications and 
dispatch, patrol, central records, and the crime prevention unit, 
and he has further distinguished himself by attaining various 
accreditations and licenses, including master peace officer, 
master jail proficiency, TCLEOSE instructor, and permanent 
certified crime prevention specialist; moreover, he has been 
involved in numerous outreach programs, helping establish an annual 
Law Enforcement Day at an area mall, contributing to the success of 
National Night Out in Houston, lecturing at local colleges and 
universities, and working closely with the D.A.R.E. program; and
	WHEREAS, Dedicated to the prevention of crime, he pursued 
special training in the area and assumed responsibility over all 
crime prevention programs in the district; he was eventually 
designated the department's sole crime prevention officer, and 
through the years he has remained committed to this important goal, 
giving presentations at countless schools, hosting a crime 
prevention television program in Katy, and sharing his expertise 
with such organizations as the Texas Gulf Coast Crime Prevention 
Association and the Texas Crime Prevention Association; his efforts 
have helped earn his department the designation of "Most 
Outstanding Crime Prevention Unit" in Texas, and his individual 
recognition includes being named the 100 Club Officer of the Year, 
Crime Prevention Specialist of the Year, Houston Chronicle Officer 
of the Week, Sheriff's Office Honor Guard Member of the Year, and 
the International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners' 
Practitioner of the Year; and
	WHEREAS, Despite the many demands on his time, Mr. Pierson 
has managed to give back to his community through his involvement 
with a host of civic organizations, including the Katy City 
Council, Katy Heritage Society, Katy High School Athletic Booster 
Club, Houston Farm and Ranch Club, and Houston Livestock Show and 
Rodeo; and
	WHEREAS, Steve Pierson may reflect with great pride on his 
myriad contributions to the department and to the safety and 
protection of his fellow Texans; although his daily presence will 
be missed, his legacy of professional excellence will not soon be 
forgotten; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate Steve Pierson 
on his retirement from the Harris County Sheriff's Department and 
extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Pierson as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.