85R24505(38) BK/KSM-D     By: Springer H.R. No. 1722       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, During the month of March 2017, the Texas Panhandle   suffered multiple, massive wildfires, and Bill Ridgeway of the   Mobeetie Volunteer Fire Department was part of a coalition of first   responders who fought heroically and tenaciously to save the lives   and property of Texans in the region; and          WHEREAS, Fueled by dry vegetation, high winds, and   unseasonably hot weather, the fast-moving wildfires broke out on   March 6 and raged for days, destroying around 500,000 acres of Texas   prairie land and resulting in the death of four people; the fires   were some of the largest in state history and led to Governor Greg   Abbott's declaring a state of emergency in six counties; and          WHEREAS, The combined efforts of fire personnel from around   and beyond the region, including members of local volunteer fire   departments, were needed to contain the blazes; working exhausting   hours in perilous conditions, these dedicated individuals risked   their lives to halt the fires' rampage and rescue residents, and   their contributions were vital to averting further tragedy and   destruction; and          WHEREAS, In answering the call of duty during this   catastrophic crisis, Bill Ridgeway demonstrated an extraordinary   commitment to protecting the safety of his fellow citizens, and he   has earned the enduring gratitude and admiration of Texans across   the state; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas   Legislature hereby commend Bill Ridgeway of the Mobeetie Volunteer   Fire Department for his bravery, skill, and dedication in fighting   the Texas Panhandle wildfires of March 2017 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. Ridgeway as an expression of high regard by the   Texas House of Representatives.