80R18887 JNC-D

By: Craddick H.R. No. 1936

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Midland police officer Ricardo Candelaria has earned the Law Enforcement Achievement Award for outstanding public service from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education; and

WHEREAS, Each year, the commission recognizes officers who have exceeded the normal expectations of job performance through acts of valor, public service, or professional achievement; Officer Candelaria is one of 20 officers from throughout Texas who are being honored at the 2007 awards ceremony on May 9 in Austin; and

WHEREAS, A member of the Midland Police Department since 1980, Officer Candelaria currently serves as a detective in the Crimes Against Persons Division; and

WHEREAS, This dedicated public servant has been active with the Special Olympics for more than 20 years; in addition to volunteering as coordinator and participant in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Officer Candelaria has held a number of leadership roles in the organization; a member of the Special Olympics Texas board of directors, he is chair of the Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run, and under his direction, the group raised more than $1.5 million in 2005 and 2006; moreover, he currently leads a five-state area as a Regional Torch Run coordinator for the International Torch Run Council and has helped to bring new funds and awareness to the Special Olympics in San Salvador by serving as a translator and ambassador for a visiting Torch Run group; and

WHEREAS, Affectionately known in the Special Olympics community as "Candy," Officer Candelaria has been honored for his commendable efforts in behalf of the group with induction into the Texas State Torch Run Hall of Fame and International Torch Run Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Ricardo Candelaria's logistical contributions to the Special Olympics are considerable, and his heartfelt enthusiasm and generosity of spirit have truly made a difference in the lives of many; his receipt of this award is indeed deserving of recognition, and it provides a fitting opportunity to honor him; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Officer Ricardo Candelaria on receiving the Law Enforcement Achievement Award for outstanding public service from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Officer Candelaria as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.