A house RESOLUTION

to recognize and honor Captain Richard R. Grant of the West Chester Volunteer Fire Department and to commend him for his fifty years of selfless service to the department and to his community.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to salute Captain Richard Grant as he celebrates a half century of service to the West Chester Volunteer Fire Department; and

Whereas, born on February 11, 1957, Richard Grant joined the West Chester Volunteer Fire Department on February 11, 1975, on his eighteenth birthday and served the department alongside his father, Henry Lee Grant. He now serves with his son Assistant Chief Ben Grant; and

Whereas, he served as a career firefighter for the Chester Fire Department, and after he retired professionally, he has continued to volunteer for the West Chester Volunteer Fire Department; and

Whereas, Captain Grant has several certifications from the South Carolina Fire Academy. He took the 1121 and 1131 structural firefighting classes soon after joining the fire department. In 2004, he challenged the NFPA Firefighter I test and passed, and in 2005 he challenged the NFPA Firefighter II test and passed; and

Whereas, he has demonstrated his dedication to his profession as a past member of the Chester County Rural Fire Commission and the South Carolina State Fire Commission. He also has served for many years as the secretary/treasurer for the West Chester Rural Fire Protection Association, where he makes sure the department's bills get paid; and

Whereas, Captain Grant has spent countless hours away from his family in order to protect his neighbors and their property in times of need. In addition, he has served as an assistant Scout master and was very instrumental in the teaching and development of the 4H/Fire Explorer Program, helping to inspire future firefighters; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives celebrate Richard Grant's golden anniversary of service with the West Chester Volunteer Fire Department and applaud him for giving his time and talents so sacrificially to his community. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Captain Richard R. Grant of the West Chester Volunteer Fire Department and commend him for his fifty years of selfless service to the department and to his community.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Captain Richard R. Grant.

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