Bill Text: VA SJR422 | 2017 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of W. Alvin Hudson, Jr.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2017-02-23 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ422ER) [SJR422 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2017-SJR422-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, W. Alvin Hudson, Jr., a longtime law-enforcement officer and public servant who dedicated his life to the service of his fellow Roanoke residents, died on January 19, 2017; and
WHEREAS, a native of Roanoke, Alvin Hudson began his career in public service with the Roanoke City Police Department in 1950 and rose through the ranks from patrol officer to lieutenant; and
WHEREAS, during his 27-year career with the Roanoke City Police Department, Alvin Hudson was named Officer of the Year for his work to investigate a burglary ring, and he served as personal protection officer for important visitors to the city, including four United States presidents and Elvis Presley; and
WHEREAS, in 1977, Alvin Hudson was appointed as sheriff to fill an unexpired term and easily won reelection multiple times over the next 20 years, facing opposition only once; he overhauled the training and promotion procedures at the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office and helped to increase efficiency by implementing a new computer system; and
WHEREAS, among his proudest accomplishments as sheriff, Alvin Hudson helped to transform the Roanoke City Jail into a nationally accredited facility that can house up to 800 inmates; the facility met the rigorous criteria of the American Correctional Association and was the first jail in Virginia to achieve 100 percent compliance on the standards set by the Department of Corrections; and
WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service to the community after his well-earned retirement as sheriff in 1997, Alvin Hudson successfully ran for election to the Roanoke City Council; he served on many boards, committees, and commissions, working to enhance the quality of life for all Roanoke residents and worked with other local leaders to create innovative solutions to regional issues; and
WHEREAS, Alvin Hudson served the Commonwealth as a member of the Virginia Army National Guard and the Board of Corrections; he was active in several service organizations including the Boy Scouts of America, the Freemasons, the Shriners, and youth athletics leagues, and he enjoyed fellowship and worship with the congregation of First Baptist Church of Roanoke; and
WHEREAS, Alvin Hudson will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Jackie; daughters, Kathy and Bonnie, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of W. Alvin Hudson, Jr., a respected law-enforcement officer and public servant and a pillar of the Roanoke community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of W. Alvin Hudson, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
