[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 14]
[House]
[Pages 19427-19428]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING DARRELL ALLEN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 6, 2015, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Flores) is recognized 
for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.
  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Darrell Allen of 
Garland, Texas, who passed away on November 10, 2015, as a result of 
wounds received while he was serving his community.
  Darrell Allen was chief of police for the city of Marlin. He 
selflessly served his community, and he will be greatly missed.
  Darrell was born January 17, 1972, in Galveston, Texas. He graduated 
from Texas City High School and went on to obtain an associate's degree 
in criminal justice from McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas. In 
his pursuit to better serve his community, Darrell returned to school 
and received his bachelor in criminal justice in May of this year.
  Since he was a child, Darrell dreamed of becoming a police officer. 
He began his career in law enforcement in 1994 with the Galveston 
County Sheriff's Department. Darrell's distinguished career also 
included service with the Alvin Independent School District, the 
Hitchcock Police Department, the Danbury Police Department, the Arcola 
Police Department, the Harris County Precinct 6 Constable's Office, and 
chief of police at the Lott Police Department.
  In 2005, Darrell joined the City of Marlin Police Department, where 
he proceeded to climb through the department ranks. He was promoted to 
assistant chief of police in 2006 and elevated to chief of police in 
2009.
  As Marlin's chief of police, Darrell focused his efforts on building 
police community relations and increasing juvenile safety. He 
consistently drove down the community's crime rate. Today Marlin is one 
of the safest communities in America. His efforts garnered recognition 
for the Marlin Police Department from the Texas Police Chief 
Association's Foundation for Law Enforcement Agency Best Practices 
Programs.
  Darrell worked tirelessly to better our central Texas community. He 
loved his city, and he left an enduring impression on those he served. 
This is evident from the scores of residents who gathered together 
recently in memory of their fallen chief. He will forever be remembered 
for his devotion to public service, as a father to his children, and as 
a friend to countless Marlin citizens.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Allen family. We also lift up the family and friends of Darrell 
Allen in our prayers.
  As I close, I ask that all Americans continue to pray for our 
country, for our military men and women who protect us abroad, and for 
our first responders who protect us here at home.


                       Honoring Diana R. Garland

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Diana R. Garland of 
Waco, Texas, who passed away on September 21, 2015.
  Diana Garland was a teacher, dean, and a valued leader in the Baylor 
University community. She led a full life and will be greatly missed in 
our community.
  Diana was born on August 18, 1950, in Oklahoma City. She earned her 
undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees from the University of 
Louisville. After completing her degree, she went on to serve as 
professor of Christian family ministry and social work at the Southern 
Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville.
  In 1997, Diana and her husband, David, moved to Waco and joined the 
faculty at Baylor University. One year later, Diana was named the 
director of the university's Center and Community Ministries. Under her 
leadership, Baylor University expanded its social work program. Later 
when the university created the School of Social Work, she was 
appointed its founding dean.
  During the following decade, Diana oversaw the school's rise to 
national recognition. Under her guidance, the School of Social Work 
grew to 20 full-time faculty members and 240 graduate and undergraduate 
students. During her tenure, she helped raise more than $7 million for 
research and established an endowment of $14.5 million.
  In 2010, Diana administered the school's move to downtown Waco. This 
move allowed the school to triple its teaching and lab space. To 
commemorate her achievements as the school's dean, the Board of Regents 
recently voted to name the university's School of Social Work in her 
honor.
  In addition to her teaching duties, Diana was the author, coauthor, 
and editor of 21 books and more than 100 academic articles. Her 
literary works included: ``Flawed Families of the Bible: How God's 
Grace Works Through Imperfect Relationships''; ``Inside Out Families: 
Living the Faith Together''; and ``Why I Am a Social Worker: 25 
Christians Tell Their Life Stories.''
  Diana was also the first lady of Baylor University while her husband, 
David Garland, served as the interim president from 2008 to 2010.
  Diana stepped down as dean on June 1 of this year due to her battle 
with

[[Page 19428]]

cancer. She enjoyed the last few months of her life taking in God's 
beauty in Colorado.
  Mr. Speaker, Diana Garland left a strong legacy at Baylor University 
and touched the lives of many. She will be forever remembered as a 
cherished mentor, a loving wife, and a visionary servant leader.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Garland family. We also lift up the family and friends of Diana 
Garland in our prayers.
  As I close, I ask that all Americans continue to pray for our country 
during these difficult times, for our military men and women who 
protect us abroad, and for our first responders who protect us here at 
home.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                          ____________________