TITLE: Commending first responders for coming to the aid of their fellow citizens during the winter storm of late January and early February 2023.

SUMMARY: Commending first responders for coming to the aid of their fellow citizens during the winter storm of late January and early February 2023.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, During the devastating winter storm that impacted Texas communities in late January and early February 2023, local first responders made extraordinary efforts to save lives and property and bring urgent relief to their fellow citizens in need; and WHEREAS, The storm, which brought frigid temperatures and significant freezing rain to Central Texas, was a horrific icing event; the historic amount of freezing precipitation caused ice to accumulate on trees and power lines, severely damaging infrastructure and resulting in blackouts that affected hundreds of thousands of homes throughout Austin and Travis County; and WHEREAS, During the multiday event, many residents were forced to contend with the cold temperatures without heat or electricity and were unable to travel on the icy roadways to obtain food or other essential items; in addition, fallen branches blocked roadways and littered properties throughout the area; despite facing hardships of their own, emergency medical personnel, police, and firefighters continued to carry out their lifesaving work, persevering through the cold and sometimes dangerous conditions to rescue citizens and complete other vital duties; and WHEREAS, Central Texans are profoundly grateful for the courageous individuals who went above and beyond during this challenging time, and the region's first responders are truly deserving of recognition for their selfless contributions to the relief effort; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby commend the police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other first responders who helped their communities endure the winter storm of late January and early February 2023 and extend sincere best wishes to these heroic men and women for continued success in their important work. Goodwin Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1166 was adopted by the House on April 19, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House