Bill Text: VA HJR317 | 2012 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Arkley Dillard Johnson, Jr.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2012-02-17 - House: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ317ER) [HJR317 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2012-HJR317-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Arkley Dillard Johnson, Jr., an admired member of the Blackstone community who faithfully served as a volunteer firefighter for 64 years, died on January 4, 2011; and WHEREAS, Arkley Johnson joined the Blackstone Volunteer Fire Department in 1947 as a charter member and played a vital role in the community for more than six decades as he battled fires, responded to calls, and encouraged fire prevention efforts; and WHEREAS, a trusted leader, Arkley Johnson served the Blackstone Volunteer Fire Department in various capacities over the years, including as treasurer, assistant fire chief, and fire chief; and WHEREAS, Arkley Johnson also took a leadership role in the area firefighter community as the president of the Southside Virginia Volunteer Firefighters Association; and WHEREAS, over the years, Arkley Johnson saw many changes to the Blackstone Volunteer Fire Department and helped train and mentor younger firefighters; and WHEREAS, an admired community supporter, Arkley Johnson coached Little League baseball, served as an usher at Crenshaw United Methodist Church, and participated in other civic activities; and WHEREAS, Arkley Johnson received numerous awards and accolades over the course of his career for his distinguished service; he was the 2000 recipient of the Blackstone Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter of the Year Award and a four-time recipient of the department's Russell Anderson Award; and WHEREAS, an active member of the Blackstone Volunteer Fire Department at the time of his death, Arkley Johnson served his fellow firefighters and the residents of Blackstone with great distinction and leaves behind many loving family members and friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a dedicated firefighter, Arkley Dillard Johnson, Jr.; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Arkley Dillard Johnson, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory. |