79R2289 MMS-D

By:  Pena                                                         H.R. No. 248



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Shawn Michael Snider, chief of the Edinburg 
Volunteer Fire Department, has been elected fourth vice president 
of the State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas; and
	WHEREAS, Selection for this post puts Chief Snider in line to 
assume the presidency of the association in 2009; founded in 1876, 
the SFFMA is the oldest and largest organization of firefighters in 
Texas and counts among its members 1,100 fire departments, more 
than 80 industrial fire brigades, and 18,000 individuals; and
	WHEREAS, Chief Snider began his firefighting career just two 
days after his graduation from high school, signing on with the fire 
department in his hometown of Alamo as a volunteer; he spent a 
decade with that organization before joining the department in 
Edinburg, where he has served for the past 14 years; on January 25, 
1999, the Edinburg City Council appointed him to the post of 
department chief; and
	WHEREAS, Chief Snider's extensive qualifications reflect the 
tremendous scope of the challenges that confront today's 
firefighting professionals; an instructor in rope-rescue and 
trench-rescue maneuvers with Texas A&M University, he is also an 
advanced firefighter and emergency medical technician instructor, 
an arson investigator, and a certified peace officer; and
	WHEREAS, Widely admired for the proficiency and commitment 
that he brings to his work, Chief Snider was named Firefighter of 
the Year by the Edinburg Volunteer Fire Department in 1991 and the 
Rio Grande Valley Firefighters Association in 1993; and
	WHEREAS, In devoting himself to such an arduous profession, 
this esteemed Texan enjoys the steadfast support of his wife, Edna, 
and daughter, Sara; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout his exceptional career, Chief Snider has 
earned the gratitude of his fellow citizens for his outstanding 
leadership, consummate skills, and unwavering dedication to a most 
essential and demanding vocation; and
	WHEREAS, Representative Aaron Pena has justly recognized 
Chief Snider by passing this resolution in his behalf during the 
Regular Session of the 79th Texas Legislature; now, therefore, be 
it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate Chief Shawn Michael Snider on his 
election as fourth vice president of the State Firemen's and Fire 
Marshals' Association of Texas and extend to him sincere best 
wishes for continued success in all his endeavors; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Chief Snider as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.