TITLE: Recognizing Jeff Whitson for his service to Menard County during the 2021 winter storm.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Jeff Whitson for his service to Menard County during the 2021 winter storm.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Jeff Whitson for his exceptional service to the people of Menard County during the state's historic 2021 winter storm; and WHEREAS, For many years, Jeff Whitson has been a mainstay of Menard County's emergency response team; he is an employee of the City of Menard, and he served for more than a decade in law enforcement and is a 25-year member of the Menard Volunteer Fire Department; and WHEREAS, As the winter storm approached Menard, Mr. Whitson was helping to extinguish a house fire during the early morning hours of Thursday, February 11; in the following days, he responded to numerous calls to assist motorists who were stranded and injured due to the icy and dangerous roadway conditions caused by the storm; he was also instrumental in opening an emergency warming center and assisting with its relocation after the center lost electrical power; and WHEREAS, Once electrical power was lost throughout the region, Mr. Whitson played a vital role in resolving issues with a radio relay tower and enabling the much-needed communication between emergency responders to be restored; in addition, he obtained a mobile generator from nearby Kimble County that allowed the local propane vendor to provide fuel to residents and provided power to sustain the local nursing home for 52 hours; on February 17, while responding to another house fire, Jeff's prompt and decisive action was a critical factor in saving the life of a fellow firefighter who suffered a heart attack; and WHEREAS, Throughout the devastating storm and its aftermath, Mr. Whitson continued to aid his neighbors and fellow citizens; he went above and beyond the call of duty to address water leaks and to assist with flooding issues while continuing to answer calls for support with the fire department; he has truly demonstrated an uncommon dedication to duty and an outstanding commitment to serving the citizens of Menard County, and it is indeed fitting that he receive special recognition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby commend Jeff Whitson for his heroic actions and extend to him sincerest gratitude for his invaluable service to the Menard County communities in response to the catastrophic 2021 winter storm; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Perry President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 22, 2021.