2021S0548-1 09/01/21
 
  By: Whitmire S.R. No. 54
 
 
 
SENATE RESOLUTION
         WHEREAS, The Texas Senate is pleased to recognize one of
  its most visible and valued employees, Rick DeLeon, on his
  retirement as the Senate's sergeant-at-arms, bringing to a close
  a distinguished career in state service that has spanned more
  than three decades; and
         WHEREAS, In his 15 years with the Senate, Rick DeLeon has
  become renowned for his strong work ethic, his serious demeanor
  that belies an endlessly giving nature, and his unwavering
  dedication to the institution; Senate staffers have come to rely
  on Rick for his advice and his ability to solve problems, and the
  Texas Senate is indeed fortunate to have been the beneficiary of
  his servant's heart; and
         WHEREAS, A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Rick
  began his career in state service as a highway patrolman with the
  Texas Department of Public Safety; he became certified as a scuba
  diver and joined the department's dive recovery team, and he rose
  through the ranks during his 17 years with the agency to become a
  part of Governor Rick Perry's security detail and a trusted
  member of the security team for the governor's own dives, a duty
  he took particular delight in; and
         WHEREAS, Rick joined the Texas Senate in 2006 as the
  assistant sergeant-at-arms and was sworn in as the Senate's
  sergeant-at-arms the following year; in this post, he has
  maintained order and decorum in the Senate Chamber and overseen
  his office's numerous employees, which include assistant
  sergeants, car guards, porters, and messengers; a believer in
  preparedness, Rick is known for his ability to effectively train
  messengers and assistant sergeants on committee and floor
  processes and in security awareness, including being watchful
  for suspicious activity and evacuating committee rooms; the
  skills he has taught his employees have allowed many of them to go
  on to thrive in positions elsewhere in the Capitol; and
         WHEREAS, Rick served as president of the National
  Legislative Services and Security Association, which has honored
  him with multiple accolades, including the association's highest
  honor, the Tony Beard Memorial Award, in recognition of his
  outstanding service and accomplishments; and 
         WHEREAS, An avid outdoorsman, Rick has provided game from
  his hunting trips to create his popular chili to help fund the
  Senate's annual holiday party, showing that even in his leisure
  activities he worked tirelessly for and was absolutely dedicated
  to the employees of the Texas Senate; and
         WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Rick has benefited from
  the loving support of his wife, Sissy, and their children, Ricky
  and Selena; his retirement will provide him the opportunity to
  further dote on his four, and soon to be five, grandchildren;
  while to the Senate he is known for his emotional discipline and
  professional conduct, to his grandchildren he is known simply as
  Gru, from Minions movie fame, and he answers them when they call
  out for their beloved Gru; and
         WHEREAS, An esteemed public servant, Rick DeLeon has long
  held the respect and admiration of all who work in the Capitol,
  and his presence as the Senate's sergeant-at-arms will be greatly
  missed by senators, staff members, and colleagues alike; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th
  Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby commend Rick DeLeon on
  his exceptional service as the Senate's sergeant-at-arms and
  extend to him best wishes for happiness in the retirement years
  ahead; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
  him as an expression of highest regard from the Texas Senate.