SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 655

In Memory

of

Steven Michael Wheeler

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Cleveland in mourning the loss of Chief Steven Michael Wheeler, who died March 30, 2009, at the age of 55; and

WHEREAS, Steven Michael Wheeler was born in Louisiana and raised in Cleveland, Texas, where he served for many years as chief of the Cleveland Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wheeler joined the Cleveland Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter in the early 1970s and rose through the ranks to become fire chief in 1982; over the years, he also served the Cleveland community as emergency medical services director, fire marshal, arson investigator, and director of emergency services; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to the Cleveland community, Chief Wheeler was noted for his many contributions to the well-being of the area's citizens; from managing the Cleveland Fire Academy to ensuring a happy Christmas for storm victims, he placed the needs of his community over his own needs; and

WHEREAS, Chief Wheeler performed with distinction in the aftermath of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina; he helped to ensure the comfort and security of those with special medical needs during extended power outages, and he spent countless hours seeing that the storms' victims were housed and fed; and

WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, he gave unselfishly to others, and his wisdom, warmth, and generosity will not be forgotten by those who knew him; and

WHEREAS, He was a committed husband and father, and he will long be remembered with affection and admiration by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Steven Michael Wheeler: his wife of 26 years, Angie; his daughters and son-in-law, Tiffany, Camille, and Nicole, and her husband, Michael Dickerson; his parents, Ed and Bernice Wheeler; his sisters, Mary Morris and Dorothy Thomas; his brothers, Thom, Jack, Robert, and Ron Wheeler; and his grandson, Brett Dickerson; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Steven Michael Wheeler. Williams

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 20, 2009, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate