Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Officer Monique Hall. She has dedicated over 25 years to protecting, supporting, and uplifting the Bedford community. She currently works for the Bedford Police Department's Behavioral Intervention Unit, serving as an advocate for victims of domestic violence while helping connect them with the resources they need. Her advocacy work is part of broader efforts in Northeast Tarrant County to prevent domestic violence and reduce repeat offenses through proactIve intervention programs.

Since joining the Bedford Police Department in 1999, Officer Hall has served as a Public Service Officer, Patrol Officer, and School Resource Officer. She is also a member of the department's Hostage Negotiations Team and Crisis/Peer Support Team.

Through her compassion, dedication, and commitment to helping others, Officer Hall has made a lasting impact on their lives. I congratulate Monique on this well-deserved recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Heroes, Cecilia Nipp, Angel Chinuntdet, and Phoebe Butler, three educators from Dallas who are representing North Texas on one of the world's biggest stages. Cecilia Nipp, Angel Chinuntdet, and Phoebe Butler of Ursuline Academy were selected as FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City Ambassadors after a highly competitive process that drew more than 33,000 applicants for just over 5,000 volunteer positions.

Stationed at the FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park, they are helping create a welcoming experience for visitors from around the world. For them, the event is about more than volunteering, it is a chance to share their love for the community and showcase the hospitality that defines North Texas. Their dedication to service extends beyond their professional roles as they inspire others through leadership, cultural connection, and community pride.

I thank Cecilia, Angel, and Phoebe, for representing North Texas through their service, leadership, and warm welcome to fans from around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Dr. William ``Bill'' Acree, Jr. for his longstanding dedication to mentoring student researchers. Dr. Acree has been named the 2026 Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Goldwater Scholars Faculty Mentor Award recipient.

A professor of chemistry at the University of North Texas (UNT) and a UNT faculty member since 1988, Dr. Acree has combined decades of research with an unwavering commitment to student mentorship and fostering scientific excellence. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and previously served as co-editor of the Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics. He has mentored more than 250 undergraduate and high school students, helping them earn prestigious honors, including the Goldwater Scholarship, and inspiring them to pursue impactful careers in STEM and beyond.

Dr. Acree's dedication to student success and advancing undergraduate research reflects the lasting impact of a true mentor. I congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, AT&T Dallas Volunteers. In a remarkable display of teamwork and community spirit, 633 AT&T employees from across North Texas came together at the AT&T Discovery District in Dallas to break not one, but two Guinness World Records: the Most Backpacks Packed in an Hour and the Most People Simultaneously Stuffing Backpacks.

Their collective efforts resulted in over 10,000 backpacks filled with essential school supplies, from pens and notebooks to headphones, and even laptops for qualifying families.

The event showcased great volunteerism, as team members from across the region united to make a tangible impact. I thank everyone who dedicated their time to making a real difference in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Grapevine High School Baseball Team. The Grapevine Mustangs Baseball Team clinched their second consecutive state title at the UIL 5A Division II State Championship in Round Rock, Texas. With a 9-5 victory over Humble Kingwood Park High School, the Mustangs became the first UIL 5A team to go back-to-back since 2003.

Throughout the season, the team displayed incredible resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship representing North Texas well. With the strong leadership of Head Coach Jimmy Webster, Grapevine finished with an impressive 36-3 record and ranked number 1 in the Texas High School Coaches Association Rankings.

The Mustangs' hard-fought championship run is more than just a victory on a field, it is a testament to their dedication and commitment. I congratulate the players, coaches, and families on this unforgettable season. The Grapevine High School Mustangs Baseball Team has given us in Texas-24 something to celebrate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Assistant Police Chief Kevin Palmer. Kevin lived a life of service, an Air Force veteran, dedicated public servant, and a respected leader in the North Richland Hills community.

His journey of service began in the Air Force before he joined the North Richland Hills Police Department in 2004. Over the next two decades he rose through the ranks to become Assistant Police Chief in 2023, overseeing patrol, traffic, SWAT, and criminal investigations. Throughout his career in public service, he received more than 40 police service awards, graduated from the FBI National Academy's 283rd session, and graduate of the PERF--Senior Management Institute of Police.

His absence is felt throughout the community today, Kevin's legacy lives on through the many men and women he mentored, and the community he served with dedication and heart.

Assistant Chief Kevin Palmer served with honor and led with an unwavering commitment. We are thankful for his sacrifice and we will never forget the legacy he leaves behind. May his memory continue to inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Chief Justin Ball. Dallas Fire-Rescue has named a new fire chief, Justin Ball, a veteran of the department with nearly three decades of service to North Texas.

Chief Ball began his journey with Dallas Fire-Rescue in 1997, and has worn many hats throughout his time with the department, starting as Firefighter Paramedic, to Executive Assistant Chief of Operations, and most recently serving as the Interim Chief, before being named as Chief permanently. Through dedication, leadership, and commitment to public

service, he earned the trust of the department, city leadership, and most importantly, the people of North Texas.

I congratulate Chief Justin Ball on his well-deserved new role. His leadership and commitment to keeping our communities safe is appreciated by Texas-24 and all of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Dr. Brad Hunt. After 35 years in public education, including eight years as Superintendent of Coppell ISD, Dr. Brad Hunt is set to retire at the end of the school year. Starting as a teacher at Coppell High School in 1990, he went on to serve as principal and then superintendent. His leadership has helped shape Coppell ISD into one of the most respected school districts in Texas.

Dr. Hunt has inspired generations of students, supported countless educators, and left a lasting mark on every campus in the district. His dedication to student success and his vision for excellence have touched thousands of lives, and his impact will be felt for years to come.

I thank Dr. Hunt, for his incredible service, his belief in our North Texas students, and his commitment to Coppell. We wish him the very best in his next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Cason Wallace. Cason, a Dallas native and Richardson High School alumni, recently helped lead the Oklahoma Thunder to a NBA Championship. In the Game 7 victory, he contributed 10 points and 3 steals in 26 minutes played. His championship win is not just a personal victory, but a proud moment for the entire community that have watched him play in Richardson throughout the years.

From the beginning of his athletic career at Richardson High School to his collegiate success at the University of Kentucky, and now a world champion on the NBA stage, his roots in North Texas remain strong, continuing to inspire young athletes across our community.

I thank Cason for showing us what it means to lead with heart and hustle. Cason has given North Texas something unforgettable to celebrate, and we look forward to watching his NBA career continue.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Ashlea Quinonez. Ashlea is a North Texas native and accomplished leader with an impressive career in politics, government, and healthcare. She was recently appointed as Regional Administrator for Region VI of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In this role, she will be based out of Fort Worth, and represent Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Arkansas.

Ashlea's interest in politics began when she was just seven years old when she helped stuff envelopes with campaign letters for a family friend that was seeking county office. A graduate of Texas A&M with a B.S. in Political Science, she went to work for former Senator Phil Gramm. Her career has led her to working for a North Texas political party, running a district office for a member of Congress, and working in government relations for the Memorial Hermann Health System. Through her service on numerous boards and task forces across Texas, Ashlea has left a lasting impact on our communities across the state.

I congratulate Ashlea on her new role and thank her for her continued commitment to serving others in North Texas and across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, HerStory Gallery. As wildfires continue to displace families and destroy homes in California, the need for aid is greater than ever. HerStory Gallery, a North Texas store dedicated to empowering and uplifting women, has stepped up in an incredible way. Their latest initiative embodies the spirit of compassion and service--organizing donation drops in HerStory locations across our community to support those affected by the devastating fires.

Joining forces with Revell with a Cause, Giving Generously, and the L.A. Dream Center, HerStory cleared floor space at their galleries in Dallas and Fort Worth to make room for donations and rallied our community to provide essential supplies such as non-perishable food, clothing, hygiene products, and emergency relief items for those impacted. Their efforts remind us that, even from miles away, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in crisis.

I thank HerStory Gallery for leading with heart and showing what it truly means to serve others through their generosity and compassion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, University Emergency Medical Response at UT Dallas. The University Emergency Medical Response (UEMR) of the University of Texas at Dallas was recently recognized as the Collegiate EMS Organization of the Year for 2025 at the National Collegiate EMS Foundation Conference.

Since being founded in 2017 by just two students, UEMR at UT Dallas has grown into an award winning team of over 90 volunteers who are certified as EMTs, Advanced EMTs, and paramedics. These volunteers answer over 500 emergency calls, support over 65 events each year.

In addition to keeping the campus community safe, UEMR provides training to over 350 students annually through EMT and paramedic courses. With their seventh recognition, we are happy to celebrate their commitment to keeping the UT Dallas community safe.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Chief Daniel Comeaux. Daniel Comeaux is the new Chief of Police for the City of Dallas, bringing more than three decades of law enforcement experience to North Texas.

Chief Comeaux began his career with the Houston Police Department in 1991 before joining the DEA, where he eventually served as the Special Agent in Charge of the Houston Field Division. Over his 33 years of service, he has led major operations across the country, including along the Southern border, and achieved significant results, such as a 40 percent reduction in overdose deaths in Laredo, Texas. He is an experienced leader known for his collaborative and community-focused approach.

I congratulate Chief Comeaux, and welcome him to North Texas. I wish him the very best as he takes the helm of the Dallas Police Department and leads it into a new era of service and excellence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officer Trey Toney on his retirement from the Grapevine Police Department after 25 years of service. With decades in law enforcement, Officer Toney has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public safety and serving our North Texas community.

Officer Toney began his law enforcement career in 1994 with the Texarkana Police Department, where he served as a Patrol Officer before joining the Housing Projects and Gang Unit. In 2001, he joined the Grapevine Police Department and went on to serve the community in numerous capacities throughout his distinguished career.

During his time with the Grapevine Police Department, Officer Toney served in Patrol and spent a decade in the Motor Unit before transitioning to Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, where he developed specialized expertise and worked to ensure the safety of Grapevine's roadways. In 2023, he transitioned into a new role as a School Resource Officer, continuing his commitment to public service by fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and students, staff, and families.

Over the past two years, Officer Toney has served at Grapevine Elementary, where his daily commitment to safety and building trust has made a lasting impact on the school community. I thank Officer Toney for his decades of service in protecting and serving others and wish him all the best as he begins his well-earned retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Senior Police Officer Steven Snyder on the occasion of his retirement from the Euless Police Department.

Officer Snyder has dedicated his life to service. Before beginning his career in law enforcement, he served our Nation as a Gunnery

Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps from 1972 to 1994. Following his military service, he joined the City of Euless in July 1999 as a Police Officer and was promoted to Senior Police OffIcer in May 2003. Throughout his career, he has served with distinction as a Detective and Crime Scene Investigator.

Officer Snyder's commitment to public safety, professionalism, and excellence has left a lasting impact on the Euless community. His extensive training in crime scene investigation, counterterrorism, gang intelligence, forensic pathology, and emergency response reflects his dedication to continually strengthening his ability to serve and protect others.

In 2011, Officer Snyder was named Euless Police Officer of the Year, and he has received numerous letters of commendation throughout his career. His dedication to service also extends beyond the department through his involvement with organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Brotherhood of the Fallen, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Shriners.

I thank Officer Steven Snyder for his many years of honorable service to our Nation, the City of Euless, and the people of North Texas. I congratulate him on his well-earned retirement and wish him all the best in this next chapter.