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                                                                  H.R. No. 17 



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Words cannot adequately express the heartache felt 
at the loss of Officer Brian Howard Jackson, a highly valued member 
of the Dallas Police Department who died in the line of duty on 
November 13, 2005, at the age of 28; and
	WHEREAS, Assigned to a patrol group in central Dallas, 
Officer Jackson had been helping homicide detectives to pursue 
leads in a case and was completing his shift when he volunteered to 
investigate a domestic violence incident; on reaching the scene he 
gave pursuit to the suspect, and in the course of an ensuing gun 
battle he was mortally wounded; and
	WHEREAS, A member of the Dallas police force since 2001, 
Officer Jackson served as a liaison between central patrol and the 
department's gang unit; he also served as a student resource 
officer at Lake Highlands Junior High School; and
	WHEREAS, This outstanding law officer was greatly respected 
by his colleagues for the passion and dedication he brought to his 
work, as well as for his proficiency at his job and his desire to 
help in whatever way he might be able; his concern for others 
expressed itself in many ways, as in the helping hand he extended 
without fanfare to those in need; and
	WHEREAS, The son of a U.S. Navy officer, Brian Jackson was 
born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1976 and grew up on naval bases 
overseas, as well as in California, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, 
and Rhode Island; he was a varsity athlete at Portsmouth High School 
in Rhode Island and a cheerleader at the University of Rhode Island, 
where he received a degree in sociology in 1999; and
	WHEREAS, During his years in college, Officer Jackson became 
certified as an Emergency Medical Technician and then volunteered 
as an EMT with several organizations; he met JoAnn DeMello, a fellow 
volunteer and URI student, while serving as an emergency responder, 
and the couple married on the URI campus in August 2005; and
	WHEREAS, After graduating from the university, Brian Jackson 
pursued his dream of becoming a law officer and explored 
opportunities around the country; ultimately, he turned down an 
offer from the police force in New York City in order to join the 
department in Dallas; and
	WHEREAS, In recognition of his meritorious service, Officer 
Jackson received numerous commendations, and his name has been 
added to a memorial for emergency workers who have given their lives 
while performing their duties; and
	WHEREAS, Brian Jackson exemplified the qualities that 
citizens seek in their law enforcement personnel--decency, 
bravery, professionalism, and a steady resolve in the face of 
danger; this courageous officer won the esteem and affection of the 
individuals he worked with on the force and in the community, and 
his memory will be forever cherished by those who were privileged to 
share in the warmth of his love and friendship; now, therefore, be 
it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay special tribute to the 
memory of Officer Brian Howard Jackson and extend sincere sympathy 
to the members of his family:  to his beloved wife, JoAnn DeMello 
Jackson; to his parents, U.S. Navy Captain (Ret.) John Jackson and 
Valerie Jackson; to his sister, U.S. Air Force Major Gina Jackson; 
and to his fellow law enforcement officers and all who join in 
mourning his death; 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 this day, it do so in memory of Officer 
Brian Howard Jackson.

                                                                         Goolsby


                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 17 was unanimously adopted by a rising 
vote of the House on April 27, 2006.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House