Bill Text: VA HR11 | 2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Willie Melvin Smith, Jr.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-01-12 - Bill text as passed House (HR11ER) [HR11 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-HR11-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Willie Melvin Smith, Jr., a beloved father and husband and dedicated first responder who aided his community as the longest-serving member of the Nansemond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad, died on May 1, 2017; and
WHEREAS, a Suffolk resident and United States Army veteran, Melvin Smith spent his entire career as a loyal employee of the Ford Motor Company, working at various dealerships as an outside sales representative for parts; and
WHEREAS, Melvin Smith joined the Nansemond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad just three months after it was chartered in 1960; his 56-year tenure with the unit, including over 20 years as its president, earned him the distinction of being the longest-serving volunteer in its history; and
WHEREAS, as one of the first Advanced Life Support providers in the Commonwealth, Melvin Smith was a highly valued and respected member of the Nansemond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad; fellow volunteers knew him as a man who eagerly recruited new rescue squad members and thrived on helping others and saving lives; and
WHEREAS, Melvin Smith's devotion to public safety was evident in his personal life; a rescue squad ambulance was almost permanently parked in the driveway of his home, and he often provided medical care to sick or injured neighbors; and
WHEREAS, outside of his career and his service with the rescue squad, Melvin Smith enjoyed spending time with his family and taking photographs; and
WHEREAS, in honor of Melvin Smith's 56 years as a first responder and member of the Nansemond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad, more than 25 fire and rescue units from Suffolk, Chesapeake, Isle of Wight, Carrollton, Windsor, Chuckatuck, Courtland, and Smithfield took part in his funeral procession; and
WHEREAS, Melvin Smith will be fondly remembered by his wife, Leola; daughters, Arlene and Lisa, and their families; and countless other family members, friends, and members of the Suffolk community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Willie Melvin Smith, Jr., a diligent first responder who gave generously of his time in service to the Suffolk community; 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 Willie Melvin Smith, Jr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.
