Bill Text: VA HJR859 | 2017 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending William A. L. Brown II.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2017-02-10 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ859ER) [HJR859 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2017-HJR859-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Master Deputy Fire Marshal William A. L. Brown II of the Chesapeake Fire Department displayed great bravery and heroic actions in responding to a house fire in January 2016; and
WHEREAS, William "Billy" A. L. Brown II joined the Chesapeake Fire Department as a firefighter on December 5, 1978, and he was assigned to the city's Fire Prevention Bureau as a fire inspector in March 1997; and
WHEREAS, in July 2001, Billy Brown became a Deputy Fire Marshal, and he was promoted to Master Deputy Fire Marshal in November 2016; and
WHEREAS, Billy Brown's distinguished career in public service spans four decades, and he is the definition of a servant leader, one who has genuine character, heart for service, and deep commitment to his fellow man; and
WHEREAS, in late January 2016, Billy Brown was the first to arrive on the scene at a structure fire in South Norfolk, and, without any gear on and at great personal risk, he forced his way through the front door and attempted to locate a victim; and
WHEREAS, once inside the house, Billy Brown experienced heavy smoke conditions and a fire out of control, yet he quickly found the unconscious victim and dragged her down a hall to the front door, where she was removed from the burning structure; and
WHEREAS, Billy Brown's heroic actions and willingness to put his life at risk in January 2016 are a shining example of what the Chesapeake Fire Department represents, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery and dedication from the City of Chesapeake; and
WHEREAS, Billy Brown received the Firefighter of the Year Award from the South Norfolk Ruritan Club in 2016, one of many awards and honors he has accumulated during his lengthy career; and
WHEREAS, Billy Brown's true passion is music, and he has provided hundreds of hours of entertainment for the City of Chesapeake functions over the years, including fire recruit class graduations, promotional ceremonies, and state of the city addresses; and
WHEREAS, Billy Brown is also known for his civic and community endeavors, and he has been an active member of New Hope Congregation Christian Church for over 33 years, serving as minister of music and chair of the joint board; and
WHEREAS, Billy Brown's professional success and career achievements would not be possible without the love and support of his wife and their two children; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Master Deputy Fire Marshal William A. L. Brown II of the Chesapeake Fire Department on the great bravery and heroic actions he displayed in responding to a house fire in January 2016; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to William A. L. Brown II as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his valor and willingness to risk his life in service to the residents of Chesapeake.