WHEREAS, William A. Pruitt, former commissioner of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, has served the Commonwealth with unwavering commitment and dedication; and

WHEREAS, William "Bill" Pruitt grew up on Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay, where in his youth he spent summers catching menhaden for crab-pot bait with his grandfather; and

WHEREAS, Bill Pruitt devoted five years of his life in service to the United States Army, demonstrating his patriotism and dedication to the defense of the nation; and

WHEREAS, Bill Pruitt served with valor and distinction in combat during the Vietnam War; he demonstrated exceptional bravery and dedication during the Tet Offensive in 1968 and earned the Bronze Star for his meritorious actions; and

WHEREAS, from 1976 to 1983, William A. Pruitt served as the county administrator of Richmond County, contributing to the local community's growth and development; and

WHEREAS, Bill Pruitt further demonstrated his commitment to public after he was appointed by Governor Charles Robb as commissioner of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, which maintains the Commonwealth's aquatic resources in coastal areas and inland waterways by establishing commercial fishing regulations and zoning for state-owned waters; and

WHEREAS, Bill Pruitt ably led the Virginia Marine Resources Commission from February 1983 to July 2006, serving under seven governors from both parties and building a strong network of friends and colleagues in local, regional, and state agencies; and

WHEREAS, Bill Pruitt's childhood experiences helped him cultivate relationships based on trust and mutual respect with working fishermen, and he treated everyone who came before the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, from residents and watermen to scientists and government officials, with fairness and understanding; and

WHEREAS, Bill Pruitt enabled the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to function efficiently and effectively and received many accolades for his professionalism, wise leadership, sense of responsibility, and devotion to public service; and

WHEREAS, in July 2023, Bill Pruitt attended a special ceremony on Tangier Island, where he was honored by the Virginia Marine Police and Virginia Marine Resources Commission with the unveiling of a new police boat, the W.A. Pruitt, which will patrol the area around the island; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend William A. Pruitt, former commissioner of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, for his exemplary service to the Commonwealth and the United States; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to William A. Pruitt as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his steady leadership and outstanding contributions to safety and security on the Commonwealth's waterways.