TITLE: Honoring Steve Deffibaugh on his retirement as the fire marshal of Collin County.

SUMMARY: Honoring Steve Deffibaugh on his retirement as the fire marshal of Collin County.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Steve Deffibaugh is retiring from his post as the Collin County fire marshal in 2011, drawing to a close a notable tenure in public service that has spanned more than three decades; and WHEREAS, Born in Borger, Mr. Deffibaugh graduated from Sherman High School in 1969 and then served his nation as a member of the United States Marine Corps; he entered law enforcement in 1973 and worked for the police departments of Van Alstyne and McKinney before joining the Collin County Sheriff's Office in 1978 as a deputy; after four years in that assignment, he became a criminal investigator for the Collin County Criminal District Attorney's Office, where he was employed for 14 years; and WHEREAS, In 1996, he was appointed as the Collin County fire marshal; during his notable 15-year tenure, Mr. Deffibaugh has dedicated himself to enforcing the fire safety codes, monitoring severe weather and storm damage across the county, and working closely with area volunteer fire departments; in addition, he has placed an emphasis on sharing important information on fire prevention, including conducting safety sessions with thousands of schoolchildren; and WHEREAS, Mr. Deffibaugh's commitment to his community has been reflected in other ways as well; he was the mayor of Princeton for two terms and a volunteer firefighter for that city, and he has further distinguished himself through his efforts as a scoutmaster and church deacon; in recognition of his contributions to the area, he was named one of the "21 for the 21st Century" by Inside Collin County Business;and WHEREAS, Steve Deffibaugh's professionalism and devotion to public safety have greatly benefited his fellow citizens, and he may indeed reflect with pride on a career well spent as he embarks on the next exciting chapter in his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Steve Deffibaugh on the occasion of his retirement as the Collin County fire marshal and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Deffibaugh as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Madden Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1878 was adopted by the House on May 19, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House