SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2008 SESSION

084412284
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 236
Offered February 27, 2008
Celebrating the life of Walter B. Dutton.
----------
Patrons-- Norment; Delegates: Barlow, Hamilton and Pogge
----------

WHEREAS, Walter B. Dutton of Norge, respected citizen and admired longtime sheriff of James City County, died on June 2, 2007; and

WHEREAS, an experienced law-enforcement officer and exceptional administrator, Walter Dutton worked his way up through the ranks of the sheriff's office, serving as James City County’s deputy sheriff and chief deputy; and

WHEREAS, in 1984, Walter Dutton was elected sheriff and served the citizens of James City County with distinction for four terms; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Dutton culminated his distinguished 38-year law-enforcement career by serving his last two years in office as head of the Williamsburg-James City County Sheriff’s Office when the city and county offices merged in 1998; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure, Sheriff Dutton was instrumental in the planning and building of the Peninsula Regional Jail, the Juvenile Center, and the Williamsburg-James City County Courthouse; and

WHEREAS, always ready to help citizens in need, Walter Dutton gave his time and talents as a longtime member of the James City Lions Club; the James City Ruritan Club, serving two terms as club president and receiving the first Ruritan of the Year award; and the Norse Federation, serving as treasurer; and

WHEREAS, committed to continually improving law-enforcement services and his profession, Walter Dutton was an active member of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association, the National Sheriffs’ Association, and the National Association of Court Officers and Services; and

WHEREAS, Walter Dutton enjoyed playing golf, as well as euchre with friends and family, and his lifelong love of gardening lead him to become a tomato grower who sold his coveted prime tomatoes with the help of his wife and daughters to local area restaurants for nearly 40 years; and

WHEREAS, Walter Dutton served his country in the United States Army, was stationed in Guam during the Korean War, was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was the proud recipient of the American Revolution Law Enforcement Medal of Honor; and

WHEREAS, Walter Dutton was a faithful member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Norge and was supportive of the church’s many missions in the community; and

WHEREAS, a hardworking and humble public servant and devoted family man, Walter Dutton will be greatly missed by Karen, his devoted wife of 40 years; his three daughters Kristen, Gina, and Jennifer and their wonderful families, including three grandchildren Lindsay, Ashley, and Carson; numerous other loving relatives and friends; and the citizens of James City County; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of a fine public servant and outstanding Virginian, Walter B. Dutton; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Walter B. Dutton as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.