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2007 SESSION

076680200
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 851
Offered February 2, 2007
Commending James H. Partridge.
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Patron-- Abbitt
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WHEREAS, James H. Partridge is recognized for 50 years of outstanding service to the citizens of Cumberland County, and for his commitment to excellence in the training of the Commonwealth's fire and emergency first responders; and

WHEREAS, in 1957 Jim Partridge joined the United States Navy and completed basic firefighting school where he decided to further his knowledge of fire prevention and safety—he would diligently attend retraining school every year thereafter for the next 16 years; and

WHEREAS, Jim Partridge's career path as an expert in firefighting and related fields was determined after completion of the Navy's arduous Deep Sea Diving School in Washington, D.C., and his later participation in the experimental diving unit at Duke University; and

WHEREAS, receiving a commission as chief warrant officer in 1976, Jim Partridge served first on the USS America, training some of the finest fire brigades in the Navy, and then on the USS Ponce, supervising the sailors who maintained the ship’s firefighting equipment and serving as safety officer, helicopter crash and salvage officer, and firefighting and damage control training officer for the 450 men aboard ship; and

WHEREAS, during his illustrious 21-year military career, Jim Partridge served as a deep sea diver, firefighter, and instructor in every conceivable aspect of firefighting, safety, prevention, and fire investigation; and at every opportunity, he would seek advanced training to hone his skills and increase his knowledge; and

WHEREAS, Jim Partridge's credentials include advanced instruction and certifications in nearly 100 areas of safety, fire protection, and training as an instructor, firefighter, diver, and administrator; and

WHEREAS, after retiring from the Navy in 1980, Jim Partridge worked at Dominion Virginia Power's North Anna Unit 3 and at its Emergency Services Training Facility as senior instructor; and

WHEREAS, Jim Partridge has been employed by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, John Tyler Community College, and other public and private entities, sharing his vast knowledge of and experience in fire safety, OSHA regulations, HAZMAT, Fire and Emergency planning and response, terrorism awareness, and countless other fire and safety-related areas; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to the safety and protection of his fellow citizens, Jim Partridge has always found time to train volunteer firefighters around the state, among them the Cartersville Volunteer Fire Department, Cumberland County Volunteer Fire Department, and Goochland High School in a pilot firefighter class for students; he has assisted the Volunteer Emergency Services Agencies of Cumberland County in numerous ways to make the county safer for residents; and

WHEREAS, retired from teaching, Jim Partridge continues to share his extensive knowledge with the next generation of firefighters and fire specialists; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate James H. Partridge for his 50 years of outstanding service to the citizens of Cumberland County and Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to James H. Partridge as an expression of the General Assembly’s gratitude for his commitment to safety, fire protection, and the training of the Commonwealth's fire and emergency first responders.