WHEREAS, Charles C. Singleton of Amherst County has diligently and courageously served the Commonwealth as a volunteer firefighter in Vienna, Ebony, and Amherst County for more than 62 years; and

WHEREAS, Charles "Charlie" Singleton began his career as a volunteer firefighter with the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department in 1952; he rose to the rank of chief and was named a life member; and

WHEREAS, in 1980, Charlie Singleton moved to Ebony and joined the Ebony Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as chief for 14 years; he remains active with the department, making a 100-mile commute to attend meetings, help with fundraising, and even respond to calls as a driver and pump operator; and

WHEREAS, Charlie Singleton continues to offer his wisdom and experience to fire departments in Amherst County and serves as the chair of the Amherst County Emergency Services Council; and

WHEREAS, an active member of the Virginia State Firefighters Association (VSFA) for over 57 years, Charlie Singleton sits on the executive committee for the 3rd District, which represents over 50 volunteer fire departments in six counties; and

WHEREAS, from 1983 to the present, Charlie Singleton has also served as a chair or cochair of the VSFA Legislative Committee, which communicates the needs of volunteer fire services to the Virginia General Assembly and the United States Congress; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his exceptional service, Charlie Singleton has earned numerous awards and accolades, and he was inducted into the VSFA Hall of Fame on August 12, 1994; and  

WHEREAS, Charlie Singleton was appointed by former Governor Timothy M. Kaine to represent the VSFA on the Volunteer Length of Service Awards Programs, where he served two six-year terms; and

WHEREAS, Charlie Singleton is an exemplar of the professionalism, dedication to duty, and selflessness shown by volunteer firefighters and first responders throughout the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Charles C. Singleton, an admired, longtime volunteer firefighter; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Charles C. Singleton as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of others and respect for his service.