TITLE: Recognizing Texas game wardens for 125 years of service.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Texas game wardens for 125 years of service.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join the Texas Game Warden Association in celebrating 125 years of exemplary service by the state's game wardens; and WHEREAS, The position of Texas game warden traces its roots to 1895, when the 24th Texas Legislature established the Fish and Oyster Commission, and I. P. Kibbe was selected as its first commissioner; he appointed numerous deputies, including William Henry Sterling, one of the first conservation law enforcement officers in Texas; and WHEREAS, In 1899, the Fish and Oyster Commission was given jurisdiction over all public waters, including freshwater streams, lakes, and ponds; four years later, the commission's duties were expanded to include commercial shrimping; and WHEREAS, The agency has undergone several name changes through the years; it has been known as the Game, Fish, and Oyster Commission and as the Game and Fish Commission, and in 1963, the agency was renamed the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; and WHEREAS, In 1965, the professionals now known as Texas game wardens were assigned the duty of promoting recreational water safety for persons and property in all recreational waters of the state; in 1971, game wardens were formally recognized by the 62nd Texas Legislature as Texas peace officers who had full duties and powers to preserve peace within the state; and WHEREAS, Today, the more than 550 licensed Texas game wardens are the modern-day equivalent of the deputy fish and oyster commissioners of 1895; dedicated game wardens and their predecessors have played a vital role in wildlife conservation for more than a century, and it is truly fitting that they receive special recognition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby honor Texas game wardens for 125 years of service to the Lone Star State and commend them for safeguarding the natural resources of this state for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations of Texans; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the Texas Game Warden Association as an expression of esteem for game wardens from the Texas Senate. Perry, Springer President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 23, 2021.