TITLE: Honoring Joel F. Fitzgerald, Sr., for his service as chief of police in Missouri City.

SUMMARY: Honoring Joel F. Fitzgerald, Sr., for his service as chief of police in Missouri City.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Joel F. Fitzgerald, Sr., has rendered exceptional service in his capacity as chief of police in Missouri City; and WHEREAS, Chief Fitzgerald assumed his present office in April 2009, and since that time his leadership and commitment have helped the community of approximately 70,000 residents remain one of the safest cities in the nation; this distinguished law officer leads a department of more than 100 employees, and in 2010 he took justifiable pride in seeing the Missouri City PD named a Recognized Law Enforcement Agency by the Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation; that same year, Chief Fitzgerald received the President's Award from the Missouri City branch of the NAACP for his tireless efforts to further the mission of the department and for his service as a role model for young African American men who desire to become police officers themselves; and WHEREAS, Joel Fitzgerald began his law enforcement career in 1992 as an officer with the Philadelphia Police Department; over the course of his 17 years with that agency he established a notable record of achievement, winning the Officer of the Year award for his district in 1993 and serving as commanding officer of Philadelphia's Intensive Drug Investigation Division; as part of his extensive training, he has attended an FBI certification program in community policing, as well as the Police Executive Development Institute at Penn State Abington; and WHEREAS, After graduating from Villanova University with a bachelor of arts degree, Chief Fitzgerald earned a master's degree in business administration from Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania; he is currently pursuing a doctoral degree from Northcentral University; and WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Chief Fitzgerald enjoys the love and support of his wife, Pauline, an 11-year veteran of the Philadelphia PD, and their three children; and WHEREAS, Through his unwavering dedication to protecting the lives and property of his fellow citizens, Joel Fitzgerald has earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the lasting gratitude of his community, and his record of public service is a continuing source of inspiration to all who know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby commend Police Chief Joel F. Fitzgerald, Sr., for his outstanding service to the people of Missouri City 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 Chief Fitzgerald as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Reynolds Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2121 was adopted by the House on May 26, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House