H.R. No. 1390

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The death of former Wichita Falls police chief Curtis R. Harrelson on March 29, 2009, at the age of 69, has deeply saddened the community he served with enormous dedication for more than three decades; and

WHEREAS, A native of Wichita Falls, Mr. Harrelson was born on March 31, 1939, to Wilson and Mabel Harrelson; his family moved to Archer City when he was 10, and after graduation from Archer City High School, he enlisted in the United States Army; on May 1, 1959, he married the former Martha Jean Worley, and while he was serving as a military police officer in Huntsville, Alabama, the couple became the proud parents of two sons; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Harrelson joined the Wichita Falls Police Department in 1962 and worked as a juvenile investigator and auto theft investigator before helping to organize the narcotics section; while rising through the ranks, he graduated from the FBI National Academy and earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Midwestern State University; he became chief of police in March 1977 and his strong leadership was crucial when a tornado struck the city some two years later; and

WHEREAS, During his 20-year tenure as chief, Curtis Harrelson worked diligently to place his department at the forefront of crime prevention; he instituted Operation ID and neighborhood watch programs that influenced other departments, and collaborated with numerous law enforcement agencies to establish the North Texas Regional Drug Enforcement Task Force; in addition, he reinstated the department's motorcycle unit and K9 teams; and

WHEREAS, Chief Harrelson was a mentor to countless young officers and a role model in the wider community; he founded Police Explorer Post 500 to introduce teenagers to career opportunities in law enforcement and helped area residents form a Wichita Falls Crime Stoppers organization; his writing talent enlivened the departmental newsletter he started, and he published a moving article in Texas Police Journal headlined "Who says cops don't cry?"; and

WHEREAS, From an early age, this dynamic Texan loved aviation, and after his retirement in 1997, he flew pipeline for 11 years; a certified FAA instructor, he taught many people to become pilots; he was a valued member of Faith Village Church of Christ and a devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his seven grandchildren; his many interests included hunting, four-wheeling, and working on the computer, and he belonged to the Rockin Wheels chapter of the Good Sam Club for RV travelers; moreover, he participated in such activities as the Hotter 'N Hell Hundred bicycling event; and

WHEREAS, Curtis Harrelson was widely admired for his integrity, professionalism, and commitment to public safety, and he had a positive impact on Wichita Falls that continues to resonate; he will long be remembered by the many people whose lives he touched; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Curtis R. Harrelson and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Jean Harrelson; to his sons, David Harrelson and his wife, Beth, and Dennis Harrelson and his wife, Sue; to his daughter, Dana Wilson, and her husband, Randal; to his grandchildren, Jared, Josh, Caleb, Casey, Kari, Stephen, and Daniel; to his brother, Don Harrelson, and his wife, Donna; to his sister, Carolyn Askins, and her husband, Sammie; to his mother-in-law, Lucille Worley; to his brother-in-law, William Worley, and his wife, Beverly; 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 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Curtis Harrelson.

Farabee

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 1390 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 27, 2009.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House