79R16022 JNC-D

By:  Riddle                                                       H.R. No. 1509



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Chaplain J. C. Straus remembers well the tragedy of 
the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and the memory of the 
courageous individuals of the emergency services who gave their 
lives remains with him each day; and
	WHEREAS, Chaplain Straus spent five weeks in New York City 
following the attack on the World Trade Center, working directly 
with the Fire Department of the City of New York; assigned to the 
1st Battalion, he talked with many of the firefighters, EMTs, and 
police officers who survived Ground Zero and spent time assisting 
in the recovery efforts; and
	WHEREAS, An ordained pastor, certified firefighter 
instructor, and registered EMT-Paramedic, Chaplain Straus is also 
the founder and executive director of Emergency Ministries; he 
currently works with more than 15 fire and EMS teams throughout 
eastern Texas and serves on a 9-1-1 medic unit in Harris County; and
	WHEREAS, This dedicated gentleman lends his time to such 
worthy organizations as the Federation of Fire Chaplains and the 
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation; in addition, he 
runs a website for the Chaplaincy and has written two devotionals 
that appear in the new Firefighter Bible; and
	WHEREAS, For more than 25 years, Chaplain Skip Straus has 
provided vital counseling and support for the men and women of 
emergency services and has done much to comfort those in need, and 
it is indeed fitting that he be recognized at this time; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby commend Chaplain J. C. Straus for his brave 
service following September 11, 2001, and for his continued 
commitment to emergency service personnel; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Chaplain Straus as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.