SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 30

In Memory

of

Henry Canales

WHEREAS, Senior officer Henry Canales of the Houston Police Department was killed in the line of duty on June 23, 2009, at the age of 42, and his untimely death is a tragic loss to his family, to his fellow peace officers, and to the residents of his community; and

WHEREAS, A highly respected member of the Auto Theft Division, Officer Canales received numerous accolades during his distinguished 16-year career with the police department, including commendations from Mayor Bob Lanier and former police chief Sam Nuchia, as well as letters of appreciation from the citizens he protected; and

WHEREAS, The son of Jesus and Enedina Canales, Henry Canales was born in Hollister, California, and later moved to the Houston area with his family, graduating from Pasadena High School; he served his country in the United States Air Force and during a tour of duty in the Philippines, he met his future wife, Amor; the couple married in October 1990 and later became the parents of two treasured children, Stephanie and Henry Canales, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Officer Canales joined Houston Police Academy Class Number 152 on February 1, 1993, and served in the Southeast and Northeast Divisions before his assignment to the Auto Theft Division in 2003; his skill and dedication earned the admiration of all those who were privileged to work with him; moreover, his quiet demeanor disguised a mischievous sense of humor that delighted his colleagues and strengthened their bonds of camaraderie; and

WHEREAS, In addition to fulfilling the daily responsibilities of his challenging profession, Officer Canales gave generously of his time and expertise to combat street racing and underage drug and alcohol use through the Beat the Heat program, which seeks to redirect young people from illegal activities to the sport of drag racing; an ardent racing aficionado himself, Officer Canales also shared his hobby with his son and daughter, souping up cars for them to drive on their weekends together at Houston Raceway Park; he enjoyed racing his own 1979 Chevy Malibu, which he named "The Speed Demon," but always made his children's races his top priority; and

WHEREAS, This devoted husband, father, and public servant put others first in all aspects of his life, and his personal and professional conduct exemplified the virtues of courage, selflessness, and integrity; he will long be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family and his community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of Officer Henry Canales and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife of 18 years, Amor Canales; to his children, Stephanie Canales and Henry Canales, Jr.; to his father, Jesus M. Canales, Sr.; to his sisters, Rose Marie Reyna and her husband, Joel, Dolores Wheelis, and Lucia and Sandra Canales; to his brothers, Jesus M. Canales, Jr., and his wife, Rosalinda, Robert Canales and his wife, Marie, and Ruben Canales; and to his many other relatives and friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Officer Henry Canales.

Huffman

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on July 2, 2009, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate