89R16628 CW-D
 
  By: Wharton H.R. No. 455
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Words cannot adequately express the sorrow felt at
  the loss of Sergeant Mark Allen Butler of the Navasota Police
  Department, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on January
  15, 2025, at the age of 34; and
         WHEREAS, Mark Butler was born in Winchester, Virginia, on
  June 25, 1990; after graduating from West Virginia University, he
  answered his nation's call to duty by enlisting in the U.S. Army; he
  served at the rank of first lieutenant and was assigned to the Horse
  Cavalry Detachment, 1st Cavalry Division; he spent six years on
  active duty and four years on reserve; and
         WHEREAS, Following his completion of Texas A&M Engineering
  Extension Service law enforcement training in 2021, Mr. Butler
  embarked on his career with the Navasota Police Department; he
  subsequently was employed for a brief period by the Grimes County
  Sheriff's Office before returning to the Navasota force; he
  distinguished himself over the course of his tenure, receiving a
  promotion to patrol sergeant in October 2024 and earning a
  reputation as a proactive officer who helped lead the SWAT special
  response team, lent his support to rookies and to training, and
  demonstrated a commitment to protecting his fellow residents;
  moreover, he loved working with K9 officers, and his dog Kilo was
  laid to rest with him; he was known as a man of tremendous integrity
  and generosity, and his dedicated service inspired an outpouring of
  prayers and sympathy from the community; and
         WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Sergeant Butler was devoted to
  his wife, Evette Fannin Butler, and their two children, Ezra and
  Elias; and
         WHEREAS, Mark Butler was a courageous and caring public
  servant who embodied the highest ideals of the law enforcement
  profession, and his service and sacrifice in behalf of his
  community will forever be remembered; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
  Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Sergeant Mark Allen
  Butler and extend deepest condolences to all those who mourn his
  passing; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
  Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Mark
  Butler.