[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 68 (Thursday, May 17, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E837-E838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




28TH ANNUAL PASADENA, TEXAS, STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL HONORS COUNCILMAN GENE 
                             (IGGY) GARISON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2001

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my friend and 
constituent, Councilman Gene (Iggy) Garison of Pasadena, TX. The 28th 
Annual Pasadena Strawberry Festival which takes place from May 18 
through May 20, 2001, will honor Councilman Garison by making him 
Honorary Grand Marshal of the parade and dedicating the festival to 
him. In his honor a special monument is being constructed at the 
Pasadena Fairgrounds for display at the Festival and feature a history 
of his many accomplishments.
  Gene was born in the city of Houston and graduated from Stephen F. 
Austin High School. He attended the University of Houston while working 
construction as a Member of Hodd Carriers Local and Carpenters Local. 
He also worked as a deep-sea diver in Texas and Louisiana. He served in 
the Air Force and Air National Guard before joining the Pasadena Police 
Department in 1966. While on the Pasadena Police Force he was also a 
Pasadena Volunteer Fireman. He started several local businesses, 
becoming President/CEO of Emergency Safety Products in 1982.
  In 1992, Gene was elected Councilman for District D. He will leave 
this position on June

[[Page E838]]

30, 2001, after serving the people of Pasadena for four successful 
terms. During his tenure as Councilman, some of his many 
accomplishments include: revitalization of the North End, the Capitan 
Theatre and the Corrigan Center; creation of the hike and bike trail 
between Thomas and Harris; hiking trail at Deepwater; repaving of 
Harris and Burke; miles of new sewer lines, water lines, and street 
lights; and cleaning of ditches for flood control.
  In addition to his tireless efforts as a Councilman, Gene's giving 
heart also comes through for many charities. He never turns his back on 
anyone in need or a charitable cause. He loves donating his time 
cooking for many local charitable fundraisers. He has always believed 
in being active and involved in community organizations. His civic 
involvement includes: The Elks; The Eagles; American Legion; San 
Jacinto Day Foundation; Strawberry Festival; Pasadena Livestock Show 
and Rodeo; South Pasadena Rotary Club; Pasadena Volunteer Fire 
Department; Life Member of the 100 Club; Life Member of the National 
Guard Association of Texas; Pasadena Chamber of Commerce; Deer Park 
Chamber of Commerce; Chef for Deer Park's Men Who Cook; Former Pasadena 
Police Officers' Association; CASI Pasadena POD; Board of Directors for 
Houston Fire Museum; CITA Council for City of Pasadena; 1st graduating 
class of Pasadena Police Citizen's Academy; Disaster Chairman for 
American Red Cross; Life Member of Stephen F. Austin High School 
Alumni; and Parliamentarian for S.F. Austin High School Alumni.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Gene Garison on his continued outstanding 
contributions to our community. Everyone who knows Iggy knows of his 
great sense of humor and his tremendous dedication to his family--wife, 
Susie, son John, stepdaughter Tammy, stepson Sam, grandson Tyler, and 
mother-in-law, Jane. He is an inspiration to all of us in public 
service and this honor by the Pasadena Strawberry Festival is well 
deserved.

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