80R19609 SKA-D

By: McClendon H.R. No. 2106

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The International Association of Black Professional Firefighters hosted its South Central Region Spring 2007 Conference on April 11-15 in San Antonio; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception in 1970, the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters has worked to correct injustices that African Americans may encounter in the fire service, as well as to advocate for the recruitment, employment, and advancement of African American firefighters; today, the IABPFF represents some 8,500 members in 122 chapters located in the United States, Barbados, the West Indies, and England; and

WHEREAS, The association has achieved several major milestones in its rich history, including an increase in the number of African American fire chief officers and firefighters as well as an increase in the number of females in the American fire service; moreover, the IABPFF has established the National Community Volunteer Fire Prevention Program and the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute at Clark Atlanta University, promoted employment opportunities and equal treatment for its members, and worked on public policy initiatives at the national level that affect the entire fire service community; and

WHEREAS, For nearly four decades, the association has made a positive difference in the lives of countless black firefighters and in the communities they serve, and it is a pleasure to honor this significant organization on the occasion of its South Central Region Spring 2007 Conference; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas Legislature hereby commend the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters for its myriad contributions to its membership; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.