SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 141

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize the Sheriffs' Association of Texas and to proclaim 
February 17, 2005, Sheriffs' Association of Texas Day at the 
Capitol; and

	WHEREAS, The Sheriffs' Association of Texas is one of the 
nation's oldest law enforcement organizations; the first meeting 
of the group took place at the Navarro County Courthouse in 
Corsicana on August 14, 1874; the meeting was called to order by 
Sul Ross, the sheriff of McLennan County who later became an 
important historical figure in Texas; and

	WHEREAS, At the meeting, association members adopted their 
preamble; the document called for sheriffs to assist one another 
in the execution of laws, in the discharge of their duties 
against criminals, and in the protection of the citizens in their 
respective counties and throughout the state; the group has 
continued to follow the dictates of this mission; and

	WHEREAS, The Texas Constitution created our state's office 
of sheriff; legislation requires that a sheriff function as a 
peace officer who conserves peace and enforces the criminal laws 
of the state; moreover, the sheriff is responsible for the county 
jail, bail bonds, civil process, and the security of the courts; 
in some smaller counties, the sheriff may also act as the tax 
collector; and

	WHEREAS, The office of sheriff is one of the oldest forms 
of law enforcement; sheriffs in our state's 254 counties are 
elected to four-year terms, and each sheriff is a member of the 
Sheriffs' Association of Texas; in addition, 2,768 individuals 
are active members of the group, and another 46,520 individuals 
are associate members; and

	WHEREAS, The Sheriffs' Association of Texas ensures that 
officers carry out their duties skillfully and professionally by 
frequently offering training programs and by conducting an 
annual training conference; the annual conference is considered 
the largest composite gathering of law enforcement officers in 
Texas; it is attended by sheriffs, members of other federal and 
state law enforcement agencies, and major industry security 
personnel; and

	WHEREAS, The association also offers scholarships to 
eligible students pursuing degrees at a college or university
and to Texas peace officers pursuing academic degrees; the 
association's training programs and scholarships help to ensure 
the safety of our citizens and the security of communities
across our state; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby commend the Sheriffs' Association of 
Texas for its many contributions to our state and extend best


wishes to its members on the occasion of Sheriffs' Association
of Texas Day at the Capitol; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the association as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
                                                                           Ogden




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on February 17, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate