SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 875

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pleasure in honoring Mitch Wright, former chief of police of Friendswood, on the grand occasion of his 90th birthday; and

WHEREAS, On April 20, 2013, this exemplary and beloved citizen celebrated his 90th birthday at a party in the company of his former employees, friends, and family; Mitch was born on April 15, 1923, and he and his wife of 64 years, Artha, are the parents of three daughters and have been blessed with nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Believed to be the oldest living former chief of police in Texas, Mitch Wright was the chief of police in Friendswood from 1963 to 1989; he had previously served in the United States Army and had worked for the United States Coast Guard; a talented musician, he had also attended the Peabody Conservatory of Music and had spent a number of years earning his living as a musician and band member; and

WHEREAS, After he and his wife moved to Friendswood, he was asked to take the position of a reserve officer and night patrolman, driving the city's only police car; he was soon promoted to chief of police, and for the next 25 years, Chief Wright and Artha played a significant role in shaping the City of Friendswood; and

WHEREAS, Chief Wright set out to create a department he could be proud of; working with virtually no budget, he began by appointing a large number of reserve officers, and the town soon became known as the "safest city of its size"; Artha became the city clerk, the city secretary, and the court clerk; and

WHEREAS, Although Chief Wright retired almost 25 years ago, he is still dearly loved in Friendswood; for his 90th birthday celebration, his former officers and his many friends organized the party and arranged to have the chief arrive at the venue in a 1940 Mercury police car; and

WHEREAS, Attending the party were Artha and more than 70 other guests who celebrated the life of this engaging and dedicated man and honored him for his many contributions to the city during Friendswood's formative years; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby honor Mitch Wright, former police chief of Friendswood, on the splendid occasion of his 90th birthday; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of highest esteem from the Texas Senate. Taylor

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 10, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate