TITLE: Congratulating Andrew Burton of the Rockwall Fire Department on winning the 2023 World's Strongest Firefighter competition.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Andrew Burton of the Rockwall Fire Department on winning the 2023 World's Strongest Firefighter competition.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Andrew Burton of Lavon was named the victor in the Arnold Sports Festival World's Strongest Firefighter competition that took place in Columbus, Ohio, on March 3 and 4, 2023; and WHEREAS, Employed by the Rockwall Fire Department, Mr. Burton has long had a passion for fitness; he participated in powerlifting competitions at the state level as a student at Sulphur Springs High School; in 2021, he decided to participate in the Strongman athletic contests, and the following year, he placed seventh at the United States Strongman (USS) Nationals in Manchester, New Hampshire; he set a federation record for the suitcase hold by holding 310 pounds in each hand for close to one minute; in 2023, he has qualified for both the USS and Strongman Corporation federations' national competitions; and WHEREAS, Mr. Burton is certified as an EMT, firefighter, and paramedic; early in his career, he was employed by the Hopkins County Fire Department for five years, and he was a part-time member of the Sulphur Springs Fire Department for three years as well; he is an Eagle Scout, and he was awarded the Vigil Honor, the highest level conferred by the Order of the Arrow of the Boy Scouts of America; in all his endeavors, he enjoys the love and support of his wife, Taylor Burton; and WHEREAS, Through his feats of strength, Andrew Burton has demonstrated that he can compete at the highest level, and he may indeed take pride in his accomplishments; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Andrew Burton on winning the 2023 World's Strongest Firefighter competition and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Burton as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Slaton Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 591 was adopted by the House on March 30, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House