WHEREAS, Walkerton Community Fire Association, an outstanding all-volunteer fire department in King and Queen County, has safeguarded the lives and property of Walkerton residents for 60 years; and

WHEREAS, Walkerton Community Fire Association traces its roots to the early 1950s, when a group of concerned citizens realized the need for a fire department after a trash fire in a local home; with guidance from the Tappahannock Fire Company and the West Point Fire Company, Walkerton Community Fire Association was officially incorporated on March 8, 1954; and

WHEREAS, by April 1954, Walkerton Community Fire Association had acquired its first fire truck; later that year, the directors voted to build a fire house, and with assistance and many generous donations from community members, the department held its first open house on April 30, 1955; and

WHEREAS, Walkerton Community Fire Association continued to grow through the years, adding space for additional fire trucks, a meeting room, and a kitchen; in 1990, the department unveiled a new fire station with room for seven vehicles as well as meeting rooms and sleeping quarters; and

WHEREAS, to better serve the residents of King and Queen County, Walkerton Community Fire Association firefighters pursue the highest quality training and use the best equipment; the department is prepared to respond to fires, vehicle accidents, natural disasters, and other incidents; and

WHEREAS, Walkerton Community Fire Association has benefited from the able leadership of many highly qualified fire chiefs—Thomas Dean Pemberton, John Lane Mitchell, Sr., Harvey K. Cooke, Ronnie Barnette, Frankie Parker, L. W. Reynolds, Jr., Berkley Barefoot, and Robbie Coleman—the hard work and dedication of countless volunteer firefighters, and the generosity and support of the entire community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Walkerton Community Fire Association on the occasion of its 60th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Ed Wilson, president of Walkerton Community Fire Association, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the association's dedication and numerous contributions to King and Queen County.