WHEREAS, H. L. Myers, a respected World War II veteran and admired firefighter, was honored by the Halifax Volunteer Fire Department for his 55 years of loyal service to the community in January 2013; and

WHEREAS, in World War II, H. L. "Pete" Myers served his country as a member of Company F during Operation Overlord in Normandy, France, and sustained wounds from artillery fire while storming Omaha Beach; and

WHEREAS, as the only surviving former member of Company F, Pete Myers remembers the sacrifices made by his fellow soldiers and remains active with veterans' affairs and events to this day; and

WHEREAS, returning to the Commonwealth after the war, Pete Myers sought to serve the community by helping to organize the Liberty Volunteer Fire Department in Halifax in 1957; and

WHEREAS, Pete Myers helped the Liberty Volunteer Fire Department acquire its first fire trucks and build its first fire station; at the time, members of the department went door-to-door asking for donations or selling stew to raise money; and

WHEREAS, in 1978 Pete Myers joined the Halifax Volunteer Fire Department; over the next six years, he responded to calls with both departments and gained a reputation as an exceptionally dedicated firefighter; and

WHEREAS, Pete Myers responded to calls at all hours of the day or night, even responding to multiple incidents in the same day, and was often one of the first firefighters to sign on for a call; and

WHEREAS, over the course of his career, Pete Myers held many offices in the department, but was renowned for his skill at operating the fire trucks; and

WHEREAS, responding to calls until the age of 75, Pete Myers, the longest-serving member of the Halifax Volunteer Fire Department, inspired his sons, Danny Lee and Steve, to follow in his footsteps and serve the community as firefighters; and

WHEREAS, Pete Myers embodies the ideals of integrity, bravery, and dedication displayed by 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 H. L. Myers on his 55 years of service to the community as a firefighter; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to H. L. Myers as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his dedication to safeguarding the residents of Halifax County.