82R26388 JBA-D

By: Madden H.R. No. 1880

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The life of an admired former member of the Plano Fire Department drew to a close on March 9, 2010, with the passing of Dale Ralph "Cactus" Martin; and

WHEREAS, Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 17, 1932, Dale Martin moved with his family to Grand Prairie in 1945; he married the former Elsie Guessett in 1956 and together they raised three sons, Rickey, Ronnie, and Jeffrey; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Martin worked for Lone Star Boats and relocated with them to Plano; in 1969, he joined the Plano Fire Department and was given the nickname "Cactus" by the fire chief when he reported for a shift with cactus needles in his hands as a result of a landscaping job the day before; and

WHEREAS, This dedicated firefighter served the department with distinction for 21 years, demonstrating the courage and skill that are synonymous with that profession, and his efforts helped safeguard the lives and property of his fellow citizens; and

WHEREAS, After retiring in 1990, he continued to assist others by working as a volunteer at the Plano Senior Recreation Center; he and Mrs. Martin took the opportunity to travel extensively, and they were also active members of the congregation at Murphy Road Baptist Church in Murphy; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his family and his community, Dale Martin lived a caring and purposeful life, and he is remembered with great fondness and respect by his fellow firefighters and all who had the good fortune to know him; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Dale Ralph "Cactus" Martin and extend sincere condolences to his family, his friends, and his former colleagues; 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 Dale Martin.