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79S30260 MMS-D
By: Goolsby 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.