WHEREAS, Claude Dent, Jr., a loyal servant to the Commonwealth and a resident of the Town of Falmouth, died on February 17, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Claude Dent helped safeguard members of the United States Armed Forces as a firefighter at Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County and at Marine Corps Base Quantico; and

WHEREAS, Claude Dent devoted countless hours of service to the people of Stafford County as the chief of the Stafford County Volunteer Fire Department; he was admired as a dedicated, hardworking leader and a mentor to younger firefighters; and

WHEREAS, after retiring as an electrician, Claude Dent became a commercial crab fisherman; and

WHEREAS, as a member of many civic and service organizations, Claude Dent was deeply dedicated to strengthening the community; he was known as a caring friend and a wonderful neighbor; and

WHEREAS, Claude Dent will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Nancy; children, Joan, John, and Jean, and their families; and many 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 Claude Dent, Jr., a respected servant to the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Claude Dent, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.