Bill Text: VA HR6 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-01-15 - Bill text as passed House (HR6ER) [HR6 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HR6-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, for 75 years, the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department has served citizens of the Commonwealth while upholding its mission to provide the highest quality fire protection and emergency services in the most effective and efficient manner; and
WHEREAS, in 1947, the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department was organized with the objective of providing fire protection to the Town of Grottoes and the surrounding communities in the Counties of Augusta and Rockingham; and
WHEREAS, in 1948, the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department was officially chartered for purposes that included preventing and extinguishing fires in the Town of Grottoes and the surrounding territory and maintaining a modern and efficient fire department at all times for the protection of life and property; and
WHEREAS, Charles Stickley served as the first fire chief for the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department, establishing a tradition of excellence that has defined the department throughout its history; and
WHEREAS, in August 1948, the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department responded to its first emergency call in a Hahn Fire Apparatus after a pile of sawdust burst into flames at a nearby silk mill; and
WHEREAS, in 1995, after three additions to the original, white block station located on Aspen Avenue, the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department broke ground for its current station located on Third Street; and
WHEREAS, in 2012, the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department opened an onsite museum complete with memorabilia, vintage uniforms, and a 1920s chemical hand cart that had been used to provide firefighters high-pressure water to battle fires; and
WHEREAS, the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department is currently made up of 90 members, 40 of whom are active volunteer firefighters, who enable the department to respond to 500–700 calls each year; and
WHEREAS, the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department, a thriving nonprofit organization, continues to uphold its core values of integrity, selfless service, continuous improvement, and pride; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department hereby be commended for its dedication, commitment, and service in protecting the safety and lives of local residents on the occasion of its 75th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department as an expression of the House of Delegates' congratulations and appreciation for the department's service and dedication to public safety.
