WHEREAS, Victoria Fire and Rescue Company in Lunenburg County has safeguarded the lives and property of community members for 75 years; and WHEREAS, the Victoria Fire and Rescue Company traces its roots to 1940, when the Victoria Rotary Club requested that the Virginia Board of Education teach a fire training class in Victoria; the 10-week class began in 1940, and 11 men completed the class and passed the state exam; and WHEREAS, Victoria Fire and Rescue Company was officially founded in 1941 with 10 firefighters—James H. Moore, Robert W. Williams, Willie C. Brame, Everette W. Gee, Sterling H. Wilkes, Maynard T. Cox, Charles A. Gallion, George E. Gallion, Levi L. Parrish, and J. W. Conner—under Chief W. C. Swain; the company's first fire station was built on 7th Street by Victoria Supply Company and its first fire truck was built by Roanoke Welding and Equipment's Oren Fire Apparatus Division; and WHEREAS, during World War II, the members of Victoria Fire and Rescue Company assisted with blackout training to help keep the community safe in the event of a bombing raid and sold war bonds; and WHEREAS, in 1949, Victoria Fire and Rescue Company was incorporated as Victoria Fire Company, Inc., and organized a junior fire department; in the 1950s, the company purchased its first ambulance to better serve the community; and WHEREAS, Victoria Fire Company changed its name to Victoria Fire and Rescue Company in 1978 to reflect its evolving mission; that same year, it began offering advanced life support and medical care; and WHEREAS, in 1994, Victoria Fire and Rescue Company moved to its current location on Main Street, where it has carried on its legacy of excellence by providing exceptional fire, rescue, emergency medical, and hazardous materials response services; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Victoria Fire and Rescue Company hereby be commended on the occasion of its 75th anniversary in 2016; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Victoria Fire and Rescue Company as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the company's contributions to the people of Lunenburg County. |