79S30277 MDM-D

By:  Goolsby                                                      H.R. No. 28 



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Sergeant Joe A. DeCorte has worked to safeguard his 
fellow citizens for more than three decades, and his retirement 
from the Dallas Police Department on February 7, 2006, has brought 
to a close a notable career in public service; and
	WHEREAS, A native of Dallas, Joe DeCorte graduated from 
Bishop Dunne High School with the Class of 1966; he joined the 
United States Marine Corps the following year and saw duty in 
Vietnam before completing his term of enlistment in 1969; and
	WHEREAS, Sergeant DeCorte is an alumnus of the University of 
North Texas, where he earned a bachelor's degree in finance in 1972; 
he went on to pursue graduate studies at Abilene Christian 
University, and in 1975 he was awarded a master's degree in career 
development from that institution; and
	WHEREAS, This esteemed lawman began his career with the 
Dallas Police Department in 1972 and was assigned initially to the 
Southwest Patrol Division, where he worked as a patrol officer, 
field training officer, and member of the deployment unit; promoted 
to sergeant in 1978 and reassigned to the Central Division, he 
served as a patrol supervisor and later as an investigative unit 
supervisor; he next transferred to the Crimes Against Persons 
Division, heading the robbery, homicide, and homicide special 
investigations units before accepting an appointment as 
administrative sergeant in the Homeland Security and Special 
Operations Division in 2005; and
	WHEREAS, Sergeant DeCorte holds a master police officer 
certificate, as well as awards for marksmanship, safe driving, and 
20 years of perfect attendance; justly recognized for his 
unwavering dedication throughout his exceptional career in law 
enforcement, he has received 62 commendations, four certificates of 
merit, and two life-saving bars; and
	WHEREAS, When off duty, he has shared his time and talents 
with his colleagues in the Dallas Police Association, handling the 
duties of CAPERS director from 2001 to 2003 and first vice president 
from 2003 to 2006; and
	WHEREAS, Sergeant DeCorte married Kathy Emmett in 1970, and 
the couple take great pride in their two daughters, Jennifer and 
Angela, and three grandchildren, Kellan, Kindal, and Natalie; and
	WHEREAS, Over the course of his exemplary tenure on the 
force, Sergeant DeCorte has compiled a record of meritorious 
service, loyalty, personal bravery, and self-sacrifice consistent 
with the highest ideals of the law enforcement profession, and it is 
most appropriate that he be honored for an outstanding career in 
public service; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, heartily commend Joe A. DeCorte 
for his steadfast devotion to the public welfare and extend to him 
sincere best wishes for a happy and rewarding retirement; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Sergeant DeCorte as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.