TITLE: Honoring Captain Earl Pence on his retirement from the Giddings Police Department.

SUMMARY: Honoring Captain Earl Pence on his retirement from the Giddings Police Department.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Captain Earl Ross Pence retired from the Giddings Police Department on February 28, 2013, drawing to a close a notable tenure in law enforcement that spanned nearly three decades; and WHEREAS, A graduate of Bastrop High School, Earl Pence went on to attend the Texas A&M University Engineering Extension Service Fire School and completed his basic peace officer training at Southwest Texas State University; he began his career in 1985 as a deputy with the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office; he later transferred to the Austin Regional Anti-Drug Abuse Task Force to work as an undercover officer but returned to the Bastrop sheriff's office in 1991; rising to the rank of patrol sergeant, he was named Deputy of the Year on three separate occasions, and he received a lifesaving award for his heroic actions in saving a boy from drowning in Lake Bastrop; and WHEREAS, In 2001, Mr. Pence joined the police force in Giddings; promoted to corporal detective shortly thereafter, he continued to earn advancement and in 2007 became captain; in addition to his work as a criminal investigator, he undertook a range of assignments that included maintaining liaisons with governmental organizations and with neighborhood leaders to strengthen community policing programs; his outstanding performance was recognized with a Distinguished Service Commendation in 2009; and WHEREAS, A resident of Smithville, Captain Pence has been an active member of numerous public service and fraternal organizations; in all his endeavors, he has enjoyed the love and support of his wife, Kimberly, his son, Kyle, his daughter, Jennifer, and her husband, Jose Mauricio, and his grandson, Jose Alejandro; during his retirement, he is looking forward to camping trips with his family; and WHEREAS, Earl Pence's commitment to the safety and well-being of his fellow citizens has greatly benefited the residents of Bastrop and Lee Counties, and he may indeed reflect with pride on his many achievements as he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Captain Earl Ross Pence on his retirement from the Giddings Police Department and extend to him sincere best wishes for future happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Captain Pence as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Kleinschmidt Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 790 was adopted by the House on March 20, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House