H.R. No. 1044
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The Texas Department of Public Safety plays an
  essential role in safeguarding the Capitol Complex in Austin in
  addition to its many other important law enforcement duties, and
  the exemplary service of DPS officers has proven especially
  valuable in meeting the unique security challenges that have
  existed at the statehouse over the past year; and
         WHEREAS, Upholding their mission to "Protect and Serve
  Texas," DPS personnel across the state distinguish themselves on a
  daily basis as they carry out their vital work; the officers
  assigned to the agency's Capitol Region are tasked with policing
  the State Capitol and the surrounding area, which encompasses many
  state government facilities; supervised by the regional director,
  the command includes commissioned and noncommissioned personnel
  who are divided into various districts that span the
  46-square-block complex; and
         WHEREAS, The responsibilities of these dedicated public
  servants include providing security for the Capitol grounds and for
  visiting dignitaries, staffing entrances to the building, and
  monitoring surveillance cameras to ensure a safe and orderly
  environment at the statehouse; moreover, they supervise traffic and
  parking, investigate crimes, conduct vulnerability assessments,
  and handle crowd control during rallies and demonstrations; and
         WHEREAS, Beginning in late May of 2020, additional DPS
  officers were assigned to the Texas Capitol as a result of ongoing
  protests taking place in the area; arriving from locations all
  around the state, these peace officers helped to maintain safety
  and to protect the historic property from damage; the Capitol
  remained closed for nearly seven months, with an increased
  contingent of DPS troopers remaining on site into 2021; and
         WHEREAS, Those deserving of special recognition for their
  hard work and professionalism include DPS troopers from the North
  Texas Region, the Southeast Texas Region, the South Texas Region,
  the West Texas Region, the Northwest Texas Region, and the Central
  Texas Region, all of whom assisted their colleagues in the Capitol
  Region during this challenging time; additionally, profound thanks
  is owed to Colonel Steven McCraw, the director of the Department of
  Public Safety, Lieutenant Colonel Freeman Martin, Regional
  Director David Cabrera of the Capitol Region, Major Gabe Ortiz of
  the Capitol Region Criminal Investigations Division, Major
  Christopher Jones, Captain Timothy Caradine, Captain Anthony
  Rodriguez, and Security Operations Manager Kari Raesz for
  coordinating and accommodating the additional personnel and
  enhanced operations at the Capitol; and
         WHEREAS, The steadfast commitment demonstrated by the DPS
  personnel stationed at the Texas Capitol is in keeping with the
  exceptional service rendered by all members of this elite law
  enforcement agency, each of whom has earned the lasting gratitude
  of the state's citizens; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
  Legislature hereby commend the Texas Department of Public Safety
  for its outstanding record of protecting the Capitol Complex in
  Austin and extend to all those affiliated with the agency sincere
  appreciation for their significant contributions; and, be it
  further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for the Texas Department of Public Safety as an expression
  of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
 
  Darby
 
  ______________________________
  Speaker of the House     
 
         I certify that H.R. No. 1044 was adopted by the House on May
  14, 2021, by a non-record vote.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House