WHEREAS, for more than 50 years, the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary has supported the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department, ensuring that the department is able to fulfill its mission to serve and safeguard members of the public; and

WHEREAS, the Westmoreland Fire Department Auxiliary was established in 1971 by Debbie Bowen, Ann Davis, Violet Hinson, Barbara Hundley, Frances Packett, Brenda Reamy, Jane Kaye Sisson, Margaret Stosch, Pearl Sydnor, and Betty Trader, all of whom were wives of department members; and

WHEREAS, throughout its history, the Westmoreland Fire Department Auxiliary raised funds for the department in a variety of ways, including selling crafts and hosting dinners; and

WHEREAS, beginning in 1977, the Westmoreland Fire Department Auxiliary hosted a popular bingo night that raised substantial funds and directly supported the acquisition of new fire apparatuses and equipment as well as the construction of a large multipurpose room now used for training classes; and

WHEREAS, the Westmoreland Fire Department Auxiliary continued to provide valuable assistance with operations after the fire department began managing bingo nights directly in 1997; and

WHEREAS, the Westmoreland Fire Department Auxiliary sponsors the Spirit Tree Lighting at the annual Spirit Festival Weekend in Montross, a beloved local tradition that honors the memory of community members' friends and loved ones; and

WHEREAS, the Westmoreland Fire Department Auxiliary has also delighted generations of local children through an Easter event at the fire department, featuring an egg hunt, fire truck rides, and a visit from the Easter bunny; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary hereby be commended on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the organization's achievements in service to the members of the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department and the Westmoreland County community as a whole.