H.R. No. 95

	R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, A life defined by tremendous courage and resolve
	drew to a close with the passing of former Lubbock firefighter
	Matthew Dawson on November 26, 2023, at the age of 34; and
	WHEREAS, Born in Lubbock on February 5, 1989, to Michael and
	Cinthia Dawson, Matt Dawson grew up with the companionship of a
	sister, Connie; he discovered his passion for helping others at an
	early age, becoming involved in missionary work through his church;
	he graduated from Lubbock-Cooper High School in 2007, and after
	initially working for his father in the family business, he set his
	sights on a career as a first responder; in 2009, he joined the
	Woodrow Volunteer Fire Department, and he went on to earn his EMT
	certification at South Plains College before attending the
	Wolfforth Fire Academy in the fall of 2010; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Dawson subsequently became a member of Lubbock
	Fire Rescue, and he found immense fulfillment in serving his
	hometown as a member of the department; while devoting himself to
	his duties as a firefighter, he advanced his professional
	development by earning his paramedic certification and his fire and
	medical teaching certification; he also served as an instructor at
	the Wolfforth Fire Academy, where he enjoyed providing guidance and
	support to future fire safety professionals; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Dawson demonstrated inspiring grace and
	fortitude after he was critically injured in a roadside accident in
	2020 that claimed the lives of two fellow first responders; the
	unwavering determination he demonstrated during his recovery
	enabled him to progress far beyond his doctors' and therapists'
	expectations; and
	WHEREAS, Along the way, Mr. Dawson became an advocate for the
	5-5-5 Safety Initiative, which was founded by the parents of one of
	the victims of the accident; during the 88th Texas Legislature, he
	worked with lawmakers to secure the passage of House Bill 2468, the
	Matt Dawson Act, which allows first responders who are injured in
	the line of duty to receive workers' compensation benefits for
	life; he retired from Lubbock Fire Rescue in April 2022, and he was
	honored as an Unsung Hero of Lubbock the following June; and
	WHEREAS, Above all, Mr. Dawson was a caring husband and
	father; he and his wife, Chanda, shared a rewarding marriage that
	spanned 12 years, and in 2014 they became the parents of a beloved
	daughter, Preslee; and
	WHEREAS, Although the passing of Matt Dawson is an
	incalculable loss to all those who held him dear, he leaves behind a
	record of service to his community and his profession that will be
	remembered and admired for years to come; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
	Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of
	Matthew Dawson and extend deepest condolences to all those who
	mourn his passing; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
	prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
	Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Matt
	Dawson.
	Burrows
	______________________________
	Speaker of the House
	I certify that H.R. No. 95 was unanimously adopted by a rising
	vote of the House on December 5, 2023.
	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House