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                                                                H.C.R. No. 211


HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Officer Brad Freis of the Addison Police Department has long dedicated himself to the mission of the Special Olympics, and, for his humanitarian efforts, he was selected to carry the Flame of Hope in honor of these inspiring athletes at the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Japan; and WHEREAS, This symbolic flame travels to the site of the World Games, where law enforcement officers representing their state, province, or nation act as "Guardians of the Flame," running alongside Special Olympics athletes and carrying the torch to the opening ceremonies; the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is the world's largest grassroots fund-raiser and public awareness vehicle for the Special Olympics, eliciting more than $130 million worldwide; and WHEREAS, Officer Freis has been involved with Texas LETR activities since 1998; one of his first projects was the creation of the Arrest-a-Thon program, an entertaining fund-raising event in which Addison civic leaders volunteer to endure the humiliation of a feigned public arrest by a police officer; its first year in 1999 brought together 45 area business owners, managers, and employees and raised more than $18,000, and to date this event has garnered over $450,000; in September 2004, Officer Freis initiated another successful event, the Addison Business Ironman competition, raising cash and in-kind donations estimated at more than $65,000; and WHEREAS, Empowering its participants to become physically fit and to share in the joys of competition and teamwork, the Special Olympics serves nearly 1.4 million individuals with intellectual disabilities in more than 150 countries; as a true "Guardian of the Flame," Brad Freis has demonstrated his steadfast commitment to this important program and, in so doing, has helped to improve the lives of countless Special Olympics athletes and, in turn, the lives of everyone they touch; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby congratulate Officer Brad Freis on being selected for the honor of carrying the Flame of Hope at the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Japan and commend him on his selfless contributions in behalf of this worthy cause; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Officer Freis as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate. Jackson ______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 211 was adopted by the House on May 23, 2005, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 211 was adopted by the Senate on May 23, 2005, by a viva-voce vote. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: __________________ Date __________________ Governor