H.R. No. 2644

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Officer Billy Cruz of the Arlington Police Department placed himself directly in harm's way on the evening of May 5, 2015, when he aided in the rescue of a number of people from a fire at an apartment complex; and

WHEREAS, Officer Cruz and another police officer were on the scene attending to an unrelated call when they smelled smoke emanating from a row of apartments, where a three-alarm fire had broken out; acting quickly, they ran into the apartments to alert the residents and usher them to safety; despite lacking any sort of protective or breathing gear, the officers went on to make multiple trips into the path of danger to ensure that every resident was evacuated; and

WHEREAS, Thanks to the officers' heroic actions, everyone in the burning buildings escaped unharmed, including an infant; Officer Cruz and his partner were treated for smoke inhalation at a local hospital and ultimately released; and

WHEREAS, In risking his own life to save the lives of others, Officer Billy Cruz embodied the highest ideals of the law enforcement profession, and he is indeed deserving of our esteem and gratitude for his steadfast bravery; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby commend Officer Billy Cruz for his act of valor in rescuing a group of fellow citizens from a fire and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Officer Cruz as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

Tinderholt

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 2644 was adopted by the House on May 21, 2015, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House