Texans Caring for Texans ceremony honors state employees, Swinford's legacy

CANYON — Texans Caring for Texans held its 28th annual event Thursday, honoring state employees at West Texas A&M University in Canyon to honor more than 50 people from more than a dozen state agencies.

The founder of Texans Caring for Texans, former Rep. David Swinford who died Jan. 2, was honored during the ceremony with a special tribute to his legacy. Among those in attendance for the ceremony were state Sen. Charles Perry, Rep. Ken King and Rep. John Smithee, who helped to present the awards to the honorees.

Serving as the keynote speaker for the event was Joe Longway, the Lubbock regional director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, with Wendy Swope as the master of ceremonies. Also given special recognition at the event was WT President Walter Wendler for the university’s role in the event.

Nancy Farren, the co-chair of the Texans Caring for Texans Task Force, spoke about the importance of the ceremony and honoring these standout employees.

“More than 20 years ago, Rep. David Swinford created this task force,” Farren said. “We are very honored that he created this committee to honor the hard-working Texas state employees. Every state agency in the state and Panhandle in particular are invited to be a part of the task force.”

Farren emphasized the importance of those agencies in nominating these employees who are behind the scenes doing the everyday work to keep our citizens safe, keep the state beautiful and do the challenging work of keeping the state running.

“We are very thankful for Rep. Swinford’s foresight to create this opportunity to honor these hardworking people,” Farren said. “This is definitely a harder year than most with the loss of Rep. Swinford and his wonderful wife with what they meant to this task force.”

Sen. Perry said that while many people may not find the names of those honored on this day familiar, these are the folks who get things done and keep Texas moving.

“People like to be appreciated; these people do this as a call to service,” Perry said. “It's human nature for people to want to know that they are valued, and this is one way we can show them that they are truly valued.”

Perry said that Texans Caring for Texans will allow Swinford's legacy to live on with his recognition of the value of people.

Speaking about the importance of honoring those who serve the public was Rep. Smithee, who represents the 86^th Texas Congressional District.

“This is a tradition started almost three decades ago by Rep. Swinford and this group,” Smithee said. “Our state employees here in the Panhandle, we think, are the best in the state by far. They work hard and make us in the legislature look good when they do their jobs well. This is a great opportunity for us to recognize these valuable employees for their efforts.”

Additionally, Smithee spoke about what Swinford meant to the organization.

“The fact that it’s still here is a testament to David’s (Swinford) efforts, and it’s a very meaningful thing for the organization to be honoring David for his efforts,” he added.

Also weighing in on the proceedings was Rep. King of the 88^th Texas Congressional District.

“Their efforts go unnoticed far too often, and many of these state employees work for very little pay,” King said. “These people have to truly have a servant’s heart to do these jobs, and it’s my honor to be a part of this and to shake hands with these employees.”

King said that the legacy left behind by Swinford with Texans Caring for Texans will live on through its works.

“He was a man of the people with a servant’s heart,” King said. “This is a great legacy, and as much as we will all miss David, he will live on through this organization and event. He was the backbone and spearhead that got this started. It is a great way to continue to honor his memory.”

Among the agencies represented at the ceremony with individuals honored were:

• Amarillo College

• Clarendon College

• Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center

• Texas Department of Agriculture

• Texas Department of Criminal Justice (Clements, Dalhart, Montford and Roach Units)

• Texas Department of Criminal Justice (Region V)

• Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (Adult Protective Services)

• Texas Health and Human Services

• Texas Department of Public Safety

• Texas Department of State Health Services

• Texas Department of Transportation (Amarillo and Childress Districts)

• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s Department of Psychiatry

• Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine

• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

• West Texas A&M University

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Texans Caring for Texans honors state employees, Swinford's legacy