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SENATE RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, The Texas Senate is pleased to recognize one of |
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its most visible and valued employees, Rick DeLeon, on his |
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retirement as the Senate's sergeant-at-arms, bringing to a close |
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a distinguished career in state service that has spanned more |
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than three decades; and |
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WHEREAS, In his 15 years with the Senate, Rick DeLeon has |
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become renowned for his strong work ethic, his serious demeanor |
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that belies an endlessly giving nature, and his unwavering |
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dedication to the institution; Senate staffers have come to rely |
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on Rick for his advice and his ability to solve problems, and the |
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Texas Senate is indeed fortunate to have been the beneficiary of |
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his servant's heart; and |
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WHEREAS, A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Rick |
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began his career in state service as a highway patrolman with the |
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Texas Department of Public Safety; he became certified as a scuba |
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diver and joined the department's dive recovery team, and he rose |
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through the ranks during his 17 years with the agency to become a |
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part of Governor Rick Perry's security detail and a trusted |
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member of the security team for the governor's own dives, a duty |
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he took particular delight in; and |
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WHEREAS, Rick joined the Texas Senate in 2006 as the |
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assistant sergeant-at-arms and was sworn in as the Senate's |
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sergeant-at-arms the following year; in this post, he has |
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maintained order and decorum in the Senate Chamber and overseen |
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his office's numerous employees, which include assistant |
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sergeants, car guards, porters, and messengers; a believer in |
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preparedness, Rick is known for his ability to effectively train |
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messengers and assistant sergeants on committee and floor |
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processes and in security awareness, including being watchful |
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for suspicious activity and evacuating committee rooms; the |
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skills he has taught his employees have allowed many of them to go |
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on to thrive in positions elsewhere in the Capitol; and |
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WHEREAS, Rick served as president of the National |
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Legislative Services and Security Association, which has honored |
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him with multiple accolades, including the association's highest |
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honor, the Tony Beard Memorial Award, in recognition of his |
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outstanding service and accomplishments; and |
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WHEREAS, An avid outdoorsman, Rick has provided game from |
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his hunting trips to create his popular chili to help fund the |
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Senate's annual holiday party, showing that even in his leisure |
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activities he worked tirelessly for and was absolutely dedicated |
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to the employees of the Texas Senate; and |
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WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Rick has benefited from |
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the loving support of his wife, Sissy, and their children, Ricky |
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and Selena; his retirement will provide him the opportunity to |
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further dote on his four, and soon to be five, grandchildren; |
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while to the Senate he is known for his emotional discipline and |
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professional conduct, to his grandchildren he is known simply as |
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Gru, from Minions movie fame, and he answers them when they call |
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out for their beloved Gru; and |
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WHEREAS, An esteemed public servant, Rick DeLeon has long |
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held the respect and admiration of all who work in the Capitol, |
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and his presence as the Senate's sergeant-at-arms will be greatly |
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missed by senators, staff members, and colleagues alike; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th |
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Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby commend Rick DeLeon on |
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his exceptional service as the Senate's sergeant-at-arms and |
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extend to him best wishes for happiness in the retirement years |
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ahead; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for |
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him as an expression of highest regard from the Texas Senate. |