WHEREAS, Henry Spencer, a lieutenant with the Arlington County Fire Department, was named the Virginia Firefighter of the Year as part of the Governor's Fire Service Awards in 2023; and

WHEREAS, the Governor's Fire Service Awards were established in 2002 to formally recognize excellence in the Commonwealth's fire service and are facilitated by the Department of Fire Programs in collaboration with the Virginia Fire Services Board; and

WHEREAS, Henry Spencer has been a member of the Arlington County Fire Department (ACFD) for seven years, during which time he has displayed exceptional abilities as a firefighter and a deep devotion to the safety and well-being of the Arlington County community; and

WHEREAS, Henry Spencer has been actively involved in numerous committees at the ACFD, including service as co-chair of the department's mentorship program and as an integral member of the leadership development program; and

WHEREAS, Henry Spencer has completed several training courses to hone his abilities as a firefighter and was an instructor at the department's training academy, preparing future generations of the department to excel in their firefighting careers; and

WHEREAS, Henry Spencer demonstrated his passion for firefighting and fostered bonds with firefighters around the world by participating in the World's Strongest Firefighter competition; and

WHEREAS, Henry Spencer's service to the community also includes time spent teaching the ACFD's hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation program, Hands2Hearts, and volunteering at a local food bank; and

WHEREAS, Henry Spencer has embodied the highest virtues of the firefighting profession through his unwavering commitment to his fellow firefighters and the community he serves; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Henry Spencer for being named the 2023 Virginia Firefighter of the Year; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Henry Spencer as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his contributions to the Commonwealth.