81R9173 JNC-D

By: Gallego H.R. No. 962

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, George Joseph Harrington has served his community as a valued member of the Del Rio Fire Department for more than 30 years; and

WHEREAS, Joining the volunteer department in 1974, Joe Harrington became a paid firefighter on July 15, 1977, and his record of service has been marked by dedication and professionalism; promoted to lieutenant in 1990, he became the officer in charge of his station during his duty period; in this capacity, he assumed responsibility for personnel supervision, station activities, vehicles, and buildings; and

WHEREAS, Assistant Chief Harrington was again promoted in 1996; as captain, he was assigned to the training division and oversaw all continuing education presentations; his tenure saw dramatic improvements in the operational efficiency of the division, including conversion to computerized recordkeeping for paid and volunteer training systems and the institution of the department's first fire investigation course, which resulted in State of Texas Fire Investigator certification for numerous firefighters and department officers; and

WHEREAS, Based on his excellent organizational and management skills, Assistant Chief Harrington was promoted to oversee operations of C shift, where he supervised lieutenants in charge of stations and coordinated shift operations; following this position, he was assigned to the code enforcement division as a deputy fire marshal charged with investigating fires and supporting arson prosecutions; and

WHEREAS, While working in the code enforcement division, he conducted construction plan reviews to ensure buildings met fire code requirements as well as annual safety investigations of buildings housing large populations with complex regulations or special needs, including the local hospital, jail, and prison; and

WHEREAS, Assistant Chief Harrington's extensive knowledge of firefighting and his proven management abilities led to his promotion to assistant chief over the operations division in 2006 and a stint as fire marshal from December 2005 until March 2007; and

WHEREAS, Recognized for his outstanding work, he was named Firefighter of the Year in 1984, 1991, and 1996; his bravery and devotion to duty also brought him a Medal of Honor for actions during the Del Rio Flood of 1998; and

WHEREAS, Those individuals who give of their time and talents to protect their fellow citizens are indeed worthy of all Texans' deepest respect and gratitude, and Joe Harrington may take justifiable pride in his years of service to Del Rio; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby honor George Joseph Harrington for his outstanding tenure with the Del Rio Fire Department and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success in all of his endeavors; and, be it further

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