TITLE: Designating May as Fallen First Responder Awareness Month for a 10-year period beginning in 2017.

SUMMARY: Designating May as Fallen First Responder Awareness Month for a 10-year period beginning in 2017.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Texans owe an immense debt of gratitude to the law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical service personnel who willingly place themselves in harm's way to protect the public; and WHEREAS, In the course of fulfilling their oath of service, first responders are routinely called on to take courageous action in perilous circumstances, and since 2000, more than 300 of these dedicated professionals have been killed in the line of duty in Texas; and WHEREAS, The tragic loss of these brave public servants has a profound and far-reaching effect on their loved ones and colleagues; in an attempt to offer assistance and comfort to these individuals, the Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force was founded in 2001; the organization dispatches response teams to aid families and emergency service departments in the wake of a first responder death, and it has also worked to focus attention on the subject; toward that end, the group observed the inaugural Fallen First Responder Awareness Month in May 2016; the event not only pays tribute to first responders who have been killed but also highlights the ongoing need to offer individualized support services for those coping with such a loss; and WHEREAS, First responders render invaluable service to the residents of the Lone Star State, and it is indeed fitting to honor the valor and selflessness of these men and women and to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while working to safeguard their fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate May as Fallen First Responder Awareness Month; and, be it further RESOLVED, That in accordance with the provisions of Section 391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally passed by the legislature. Gonzales of Williamson Farrar President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 86 was adopted by the House on April 27, 2017, by the following vote: Yeas 145, Nays 0, 2 present, not voting. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 86 was adopted by the Senate on May 24, 2017, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor