83R9382 BK-D

By: Dukes H.C.R. No. 85

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The citizens of Austin lost a courageous and admirable public servant with the death of senior police officer Jaime Padron, who was killed in the line of duty on April 6, 2012, at the age of 40; and

WHEREAS, The son of Juan and Zoila Padron, Jaime Padron was born on July 5, 1971, in San Angelo and was raised on the family's dairy farm in Knickerbocker; in 1989, he graduated from Christoval High School, where he played on the football team, and he joined the U.S. Marine Corps the following summer; he was deployed overseas during the Gulf War and won numerous awards and decorations for his exemplary service; and

WHEREAS, On completing his military duty, Mr. Padron spent a year working for his father and was subsequently employed as a corrections officer at the Eden Detention Center; seeking to continue his career in law enforcement, he completed training at the San Angelo Police Academy in 1995 and became a member of the city's police department; and

WHEREAS, He served the citizens of San Angelo for 14 years, distinguishing himself as a patrol officer, a member of the gang unit, and a narcotics investigator; in September 2008, he joined the Austin Airport Police Department, and he became an officer with the Austin Police Department four months later; in the course of ably handling the wide range of challenges inherent in his profession, he performed numerous acts of heroism, and during one incident in San Angelo, he rescued two children and a fellow officer from a burning home; despite the risks that he faced each day, he was known for his positive attitude and for greeting others with a smile; and

WHEREAS, Highly regarded for the passion and dedication he brought to his job, Officer Padron built strong friendships with his colleagues in San Angelo and Austin; he was a member of several professional organizations and received myriad commendations during his career; these included recognition from Crime Stoppers of San Angelo as well as the Master Peace Officer, Academic Achievement, Military Service, and Safe Driving Ribbons from the Austin Police Department, and he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart with Valor Medal; and

WHEREAS, This warm-hearted Texan delighted in his role as a father to his two young daughters, Olivia and Ariana; in addition to working a full-time job and raising a family, he earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and a supporting degree in criminal justice from Angelo State University, graduating with honors in 2004; in his leisure time, he enjoyed playing golf and riding his motorcycle, and he was an avid runner who took part in a number of charity marathon events; and

WHEREAS, Selflessly devoted to the safety and well-being of his fellow citizens, Officer Jaime Padron exemplified the highest ideals of the law enforcement profession, and the compassion and integrity with which he lived his life will forever inspire all those who had the good fortune to know him; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas hereby pay tribute to the life of Officer Jaime Padron and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his daughters, Olivia and Ariana Padron, and their mother, Amy Padron; to his parents, Juan and Zoila Padron; to his brothers, Joe Padron and Johnny Padron and his wife, Gloria, and their children, John and Gabby; to his sister, Linda Diaz, and her husband, Steve, and their children, Christina and Steven; and to his other relatives and many 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of Officer Jaime Padron.