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79S32083 MMS-D

By:  Kolkhorst                                                    H.R. No. 730



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Words cannot express the heartache felt at the loss 
of Deputy Sheriff Donald Ellis Wass of Bellville, who died on April 
23, 2006, at the age of 35; and
	WHEREAS, A graduate of the Gus George Law Enforcement 
Academy, Deputy Wass began his career with the Washington County 
Sheriff's Office in 1996 as a deputy jailer and moved to the patrol 
division in 1997; he achieved the status of Advanced Peace Officer 
and certification as a field training officer; and
	WHEREAS, In 2000, Deputy Wass played an instrumental role in 
the capture of a man who had shot and killed a Harris County 
sheriff's deputy; in recognition of his actions in that case, both 
the Washington County Council and Buddy Wright American Legion Post 
No. 48 conferred on him the Peace Officer of the Year award, and the 
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education 
bestowed on him the State of Texas Law Enforcement Achievement 
Award for Valor; Deputy Wass was also recognized for his 
outstanding patrol work by the Brazos Valley Area Mothers Against 
Drunk Driving; and
	WHEREAS, This esteemed officer brought to his vocation 
qualities that are among the most highly prized in law enforcement 
personnel--decency, bravery, professionalism, and a steady resolve 
in the face of danger, and his memory will be forever cherished by 
those who were privileged to share in the warmth of his affection 
and friendship; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of 
Deputy Sheriff Donald Ellis Wass and express deepest sympathy to 
the members of his family:  to his wife, Amanda "Mandi" Wass; to his 
daughter, Jolie Beth Wass; to his parents, Sue and Jim Wass; to his 
brother and sister-in-law, Brett and Monica Wass; to his 
father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jennings and Doris Eldridge; to 
his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Danny and Jenny Kelley, Lou 
and Paula Fairchild, Curtis and Leslie Eldridge, and Phil and Vicky 
Carley; and to his other relatives and many friends; 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 Deputy 
Sheriff Donald Ellis Wass.