Travis County Commissioners Court
September 12, 2006
Item 2
Number 2 is next and two is to approve a resolution congratulating roberto bayardo, md., on the occasion of his retirement as Travis County medical examiner. Dr. Bayardo, please come forward. Who is that lovely lady with you?
>> ms. Bayardo. If you would come forward. [laughter]
>> alicia, should I read it?
>> yes, sir.
>> it reads: whereas service, loyalty and dedication to public welfare, should always be recognized, whereas roberto bayardo, md, has spent the last 28 years in service to the residents and employees of Travis County, in his capacity as Travis County medical examiner, whereas he was the only medical examiner in Travis County and surrounding counties from 1978 until 1992, whereas he has conducted over 15,000 autopsies and testified in at least 1200 court cases during the past three decades, whereas his continued efforts have advanced the work of forensic science and demonstrated long standing commitment to the health and welfare of the people of Travis County, and whereas dr. Bayardo is now retiring from -- from county service and realizing his long-held dream of traveling and spending time with his family, now therefore be it resolved that the Travis County Commissioners court of the state of Texas gratefully recognizes the contributions of roberto bayardo, md, to the citizens and employees of Travis County and wish him continuing success in his new adventures and in addition to rendering valuable services to Travis County, lately it's been 45 other counties and -- in Texas, mostly central Texas and -- and I tell everybody that what started out as a mom and pop medical examiner's offense really became an expansive urban facility of which we should be proud and up until a couple of years ago, I had no idea that Travis County really was so important for central Texas counties. And when you think about it, some of the smaller counties that have an autopsy every now and then have a hard time justifying the expense of a medical examiner's offense and so -- so for a reasonable fee, some would say small, we stepped in and provided a as much as that -- that really assisted them and helped them meet their legally mandated responsibility in providing autopsies. But -- other members of the court chatting first dr. Bayardo, when you think that we've said enough cut us off.
>> I was trying to think about when we first met. One of the aspects of the medical examiner's offense that I think people forget about is that you are also called upon to testify in our criminal justice system and that's when you and I met when I was covering courts for channel 24. And time after time after time it meant that the medical examiner had to be called in to talk about the autopsy, what was in the autopsy, because to prove the elements of a murder or some kind of an aggravated whatever, we needed the medical examiner. So not only were you doing your duty in the medical examiner's offense, but it also meant very complex nature of criminal cases of having to go over there. So we have to thank you for that piece of it as well in terms of the successful prosecution of some folks that needed to go to prison. And did. I also want to tell you that the proudest moment of my life was a very difficult day after when the jarrell tornado hit not only Williamson county but out in Cedar Park and then down in the hazy hills area. I went over to see you the day after that and they completed was it 27 autopsies?
>> that's right.
>> 27 autopsies and they were able to complete not only all of those autopsies, but got all of the paperwork done within a 48 hour period so that those loved ones could be released so that they could make burial preparation, I have never been more proud in my life. Thank you for your service.
>> I have to say, dr. Bayardo never have I met such a cabellero, in the true sense of the world. I think that you have served this public, very, very well. I guess also I as I traveled around for training in -- for Commissioner to get my hours, I got some feedback from other offices who just talked so highly about the work that you did and the department that you were in charge of. The turn around time, no one was ever left waiting. And so -- so in my mind it meant that no work stalled on in my opinion's desk and it got done, which is what everybody expects in public service. So -- so I was always very, very proud of the job that you did and how you represented Travis County. So -- so I -- I hate to see you go, but I know everyone has to, you know, move on and take care of the rest much their lives and I think that you and -- and mrs. Bayardo certainly have given enough to Travis County that now you deserve to really enjoy your days together in retirement. So thank you so much.
>> we haven't seen much of mrs. Bayardo during the last 28 years.
>> [indiscernible] I'm behind him all the time. I'm very well aware of what has been going on, what took place. And unfortunately the news media hasn't done too much right for him.
>> especially lately.
>> well, I think it's terrible. I think that it's sad that people were not more verbal what he has produced. For this community and hopefully they will not undo what he has done.
>> I agree.
>> the teaching system, teaching at u.t., teaching at brackenridge, teaching all the students in a&m. The internship. This is a scientific job. It is not politicals. People who don't understand the scientific should not be involved in the scientific.
>> well, eaves one tough medical examiner. To burr a praise.
>> very appreciate. Telephone used to ring day and night in our place and every church have told me how much they like for work for him, how important he was to them. Unfortunately judge Biscoe never went to the -- to the medical examiner offense and see what was all about it.
>> until the last three careers.
>> until the last two years, of course.
>> I agree.
>> unfortunately I mean, you know, as I say, politics and science do not -- do not mix. We are sorry to see Commissioner Sonleitner going, because she's been very nice. Also mrs. Margaret Gomez.
>> you will be sorely missed. You have been with the Travis County medical examiner's offense for 28 year, that's a legacy that must be respected.
>> you will be working on his credential now. Right?
>> absolutely.
>> dr. Bayardo, what do you plan on doing? You know, you have been a pretty busy fellow a long time. You and your wife. But what does she have planned? Planned for you to do?
>> well, I really don't -- [laughter]
>> [indiscernible]
>> then now it's your turn. Do what we have to do. She wants to travel. She wants to do whatever she wants to do. We will do that.
>> that's great.
>> I have been the one who is -- who has been the head of the family, now I'm going to let her be the head of the family and decide what to do. I want to thank all of you for the last 28 years. I have enjoyed my time serving the citizens of Travis County and many others. I look forward to coming to work every day. I know all of you are responsible for making my work. Thank you for your support, concern, good wishes for the future. And I'm doing my best with the help of my life and family and friends to have a happy retirement.
>> thank you so much.
>> good luck to you.
>> for your service.
>> all in favor? That passes by unanimous vote. [ applause ]
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Last Modified:
Wednesday, September 13, 2006 10:11 AM