WHEREAS, Keith Wayne Sprouse, a former Chesterfield County volunteer firefighter and beloved community supporter who dedicated decades of his life to serving his fellow residents, died on February 16, 2011; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Thomas Dale High School, Keith "Wayne" Sprouse worked for 30 years with the Chesterfield Fire and EMS Department, where he was a dedicated and valued employee; and

WHEREAS, as superintendent of maintenance, Wayne Sprouse worked diligently and with great exactness to ensure that all firefighting apparatus in Chesterfield County was properly maintained for use by firefighters; and

WHEREAS, a volunteer firefighter for 20 years, Wayne Sprouse served his fellow residents through his association with the Dale Fire Department, now known as Company 11; and

WHEREAS, a respected and knowledgeable volunteer, Wayne Sprouse was always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with others in the common effort of protecting the lives and property of Chesterfield County residents; and

WHEREAS, a loyal community servant, Wayne Sprouse was a stalwart member of the Dale Ruritan Club since 1983, serving as president, zone governor, and lieutenant district governor; and

WHEREAS, an innovative and compassionate leader, Wayne Sprouse actively participated in the club's many activities and looked for ways to support the community; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Sprouse began the Dale Ruritan Club's proud tradition of providing third grade students in Chesterfield County Public Schools with their own dictionaries, a project that is still going strong; and

WHEREAS, a devoted family man, Wayne Sprouse will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 54 years, Ann; their two children and their families; and his 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 a beloved community supporter, Keith Wayne Sprouse; and, be it

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