WHEREAS, Ricky Gardner, an esteemed law-enforcement officer with the Bedford County Police Department who has served his community for more than 40 years, retired in 2020; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of Bedford County and graduate of Liberty High School, Ricky Gardner began serving his community at a young age when he joined both the Bedford Life Saving Crew and the Virginia National Guard; and

WHEREAS, Ricky Gardner enlisted with the Bedford County Police Department in October 1979; initially a deputy, he was promoted to the position of criminal investigator in 1984; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of the Virginia Forensics Science Academy in Richmond, Ricky Gardner demonstrated a strong knowledge of investigatory practices through his close involvement with several high-profile cases in the 1980s and 1990s; and

WHEREAS, a proven leader, Ricky Gardner was promoted to lieutenant in 1998 and to captain of field services and administration in 2002; he would ultimately rise to the rank of major in 2006, the department's second-in-command; and

WHEREAS, through his dedication and commitment to his work, Ricky Gardner leaves a legacy of excellence and integrity that will inspire the community and fellow law-enforcement officers for years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Ricky Gardner, major of the Bedford County Police Department who protected and served the citizens of Bedford with grace, kindness, and compassion for more than four decades, hereby be commended on the occasion of his retirement; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Ricky Gardner as an expression of the House of Delegates' gratitude and admiration for his contributions to Bedford County and the Commonwealth.