WHEREAS, Thomas Michael Simcoe, an honorable veteran, longtime firefighter, accomplished legislative advocate, and beloved member of the Lanexa community, died on October 3, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Thomas "Tom" Michael Simcoe enlisted with the United States Navy at the age of 17 and courageously served his country as a signalman on the USS Steinaker during the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, following his service, Tom Simcoe returned to Northern Virginia and initially spent time studying at George Washington University and Northern Virginia Community College and working as a customer representative for Western Electric; and
WHEREAS, Tom Simcoe joined Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Services as a firefighter in 1974 and bravely dedicated himself to the safety and well-being of county residents for the next 25 years, ultimately retiring at the position of hazardous materials technician; and
WHEREAS, in his later years, Tom Simcoe would become an effective advocate for active and retired firefighters and first responders, serving as president of the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Retirement Association and as a member of both the executive board of Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics - International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2068 and the Fairfax County Uniformed Retirement System Board of Trustees; and
WHEREAS, a hardworking lobbyist who was a regular presence at the General Assembly over the years, Tom Simcoe utilized his exceptional subject matter expertise and understanding of the legislative process to secure the passage of various bills that would benefit first responders and their families; and
WHEREAS, Tom Simcoe will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 47 years, Barbara; his daughter, Shannon, and her family; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Thomas Michael Simcoe, whose extraordinary efforts as a veteran, firefighter, and legislative advocate affected countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Thomas Michael Simcoe as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.