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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 75
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WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to |
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recognize Stephen Willeford of Sutherland Springs for his |
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courageous actions and resolve in the midst of gravely dangerous |
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circumstances; and |
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WHEREAS, On November 5, 2017, the community of Sutherland |
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Springs experienced great tragedy and heartbreak when a gunman |
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opened fire on worshippers at the First Baptist Church; the |
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gunman killed 26 people and wounded 20 others; and |
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WHEREAS, Mr. Willeford, whose home is across the street |
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from the church, heard the gunfire and took immediate action; |
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disregarding his own safety, he grabbed his rifle and ran into |
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the street, where he encountered the gunman exiting the church, |
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and the two began exchanging gunfire; Mr. Willeford wounded the |
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gunman, who then got into his vehicle and fled the scene; and |
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WHEREAS, Mr. Willeford quickly engaged the assistance of |
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Johnnie Langendorff, who had stopped at an intersection while |
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driving near the scene of the shooting, and they embarked on a |
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high-speed chase in Johnnie's truck in pursuit of the gunman; the |
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gunman eventually ran off the road and wrecked his vehicle before |
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taking his own life; and |
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WHEREAS, Stephen Willeford's quick thinking and decisive |
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actions likely saved the lives of others the gunman might have |
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targeted; his courage under extreme pressure has served as an |
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inspiration to his fellow Texans and to citizens across the |
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country, and it is truly fitting that he receive special |
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recognition for his brave conduct; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th |
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Legislature, hereby commend Stephen Willeford on his selfless |
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and heroic actions in the wake of a horrific mass shooting and |
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community tragedy; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for |
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him as an expression of highest regard from the Texas Senate. |
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Zaffirini |
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Bettencourt |
Huffman |
Perry |
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Buckingham |
Johnson |
Rodríguez |
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Campbell |
Kolkhorst |
Schwertner |
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Patrick, President of the Senate |
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________________________________ |
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President of the Senate |
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I hereby certify that the |
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above Resolution was adopted by |
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the Senate on January 29, 2019. |
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________________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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________________________________ |
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Member, Texas Senate |